This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: Canada
Resonium Calcium
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat high potassium levels.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has any of these health problems: Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, multiple myeloma, overactive parathyroid gland, or sarcoidosis.
- If your child’s potassium level is normal or low.
- If your child has high calcium levels.
- If your child has bowel problems like bowel block or slowed movement of the bowels.
- If your child is taking any of these drugs: Sorbitol or a product that has magnesium in it.
Oral:
- If your child is a newborn. Do not give this drug to a newborn.
For rectal use:
- If your child is a newborn with bowel function that is not normal.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
Oral:
- This drug prevents many other drugs taken by mouth from getting into the body. If your child takes other drugs by mouth, give them at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after this drug. If you are not able to do this, talk with your child’s doctor.
- If your child has slow stomach clearing (gastroparesis), talk with your child’s doctor about when to give other drugs by mouth with this drug.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Signs of low magnesium levels like mood changes, muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps or spasms, seizures, shakiness, decreased appetite, severe upset stomach or throwing up, or an abnormal heartbeat.
- Signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach and throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Memory problems or loss.
- Fever or chills.
- Very bad bowel problems like bleeding, swelling, and tearing have happened with this drug. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Most people who had these problems were also taking sorbitol. The chance of these problems may be raised if your child has low blood volume, kidney disease, or if your child has ever had bowel disease or surgery. Call the doctor right away if your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools; constipation; stomach pain; swelling of the stomach; or throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
- Decreased appetite.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It may be given by mouth or rectally.
- Those who have feeding tubes may use this drug. Use as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.
Oral:
- Mix powder with a small amount of water. It can also be mixed with other drink or food like jam or honey. Do not mix with food or drinks that have potassium, like orange juice, other fruit juice, and some carbonated drinks.
- Do not let your child lie down after taking this drug.
For rectal use:
- Have your child keep suspension in rectum as long as can.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- If your child uses this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2022-08-11
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