calcium polystyrene sulfonate at a glance
Medicine class
Non-absorbed cation-exchange resin.
Licensed use
Treatment of hyperkalaemia.
How it is given
Prepared as a suspension for oral or rectal administration.
Key practical point
Prepare immediately before use and do not mix with fruit juice.
What is calcium polystyrene sulfonate used for?
It is licensed for:
Treatment of hyperkalaemia.
How does calcium polystyrene sulfonate work?
The resin remains in the gastrointestinal tract and exchanges calcium for potassium, particularly in the colon. Bound potassium leaves in stools, while the resin is not absorbed systemically.
calcium polystyrene sulfonate preparations and strengths
Enema
Route: Rectal
Strengths: 99.75%, 99.934% w/w
How to take calcium polystyrene sulfonate
Use it exactly as directed by the treating team. It may be given by mouth or rectally.
Prepare the suspension immediately before use.
For oral use, mix thoroughly with water. The powder forms a suspension rather than dissolving.
If powder remains in the glass, add more water, stir and swallow the remainder.
A sweet paste such as jam or honey may be used when appropriate.
Do not mix with fruit juice because its potassium can reduce effectiveness.
Remain upright while swallowing to reduce the risk of inhaling the powder.
Rectal administration and removal of the resin should follow the clinical team's instructions.
calcium polystyrene sulfonate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Low blood potassium
- High blood calcium
- Low blood magnesium
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain, bloating, severe constipation, vomiting or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bowel obstruction, ulceration, reduced intestinal blood supply, tissue damage or perforation
- Faecal impaction or a gastrointestinal mass of resin
- Cough, breathlessness or chest infection caused by inhaling powder
- Confusion, muscle weakness, cramps or an abnormal heartbeat associated with electrolyte disturbance
calcium polystyrene sulfonate in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited, and the selected product is not recommended during pregnancy. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or who could become pregnant should discuss treatment with the prescriber before use.
calcium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding
Information about use while breastfeeding is insufficient, and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The prescriber should weigh the need for treatment against the benefits of breastfeeding.
calcium polystyrene sulfonate interactions
Tell the clinical team about prescribed, non-prescription and complementary products. Important interactions include:
Sorbitol
Concomitant oral or rectal use is not recommended because severe intestinal injury, including necrosis and perforation, has occurred.
Magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids
These can contribute to systemic alkalosis. Magnesium laxatives should not be used to manage resin-associated constipation.
Aluminium-containing antacids
These may contribute to alkalosis. Obstruction from concretions has been reported with aluminium hydroxide and polystyrene resin.
Common questions about calcium polystyrene sulfonate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be mixed with fruit juice?
No. Potassium in fruit juice can reduce the resin's effectiveness; use the preparation method advised by the clinical team.
Why should I sit upright while taking it?
This reduces the risk of inhaling powder into the lungs, which can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
What should I do if it causes constipation?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.