sodium polystyrene sulfonate at a glance
Medicine class
Cation-exchange resin
Main use
Lowering raised blood potassium in specified renal and dialysis settings
Administration
Powder for oral or rectal suspension; do not mix oral powder with potassium-containing fruit juice
Monitoring
Regular potassium and other electrolyte checks are essential
Sodium content
High sodium content is important in fluid retention, hypertension, heart failure or sodium restriction
What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate used for?
Licensed uses include:
Hyperkalaemia associated with absent or severely reduced urine production.
Hyperkalaemia in people requiring dialysis, including regular haemodialysis or prolonged peritoneal dialysis.
How does sodium polystyrene sulfonate work?
The resin remains in the gut and exchanges sodium for potassium, particularly in the colon. Bound potassium leaves the body in faeces; the resin is not absorbed.
How to take sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Follow the supplied clinical instructions. For oral use, suspend the powder in a small amount of water or mix it into a suitable sweet paste such as jam or honey. Do not use fruit juice because its potassium may reduce the intended effect.
Sit upright while swallowing to reduce the risk of inhaling powder.
Do not take with sorbitol-containing foods, medicines or preparations.
Other oral medicines usually need to be taken separately; confirm timing with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Rectal administration and removal of the resin should be managed according to clinical instructions.
sodium polystyrene sulfonate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach irritation or reduced appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Sodium retention or changes in potassium, calcium or magnesium levels
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe constipation, bowel blockage or faecal impaction
- Severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, rectal bleeding or persistent vomiting suggesting serious bowel injury
- Breathing problems or lung inflammation after accidentally inhaling powder
- Severe weakness, confusion, paralysis or abnormal heartbeat associated with major electrolyte disturbance
- Serious allergic reaction with swelling or difficulty breathing
sodium polystyrene sulfonate in pregnancy
There are no adequate pregnancy data for polystyrene sulfonate resins. Use is advised against unless the prescriber considers that potential benefit outweighs potential risk.
sodium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding
Evidence during breastfeeding is lacking. Use is advised against unless the prescriber considers that benefit outweighs potential risk; an individual assessment should consider the mother, infant and available alternatives.
sodium polystyrene sulfonate interactions
The resin can bind medicines in the gut and alter electrolyte balance. Important interactions include:
Other oral medicines
Binding may reduce absorption and effectiveness, so administration should be separated as directed.
Sorbitol
Combined use is not recommended because it has been associated with serious, sometimes fatal, bowel injury.
Magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids
They may cause alkalosis, alter resin activity or worsen gastrointestinal risks.
Aluminium hydroxide
Combined use has been associated with intestinal obstruction from concretions.
Common questions about sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It lowers excessive blood potassium, particularly in licensed renal settings involving very low urine production or dialysis.
Why are blood tests needed?
They show whether potassium is falling appropriately and can detect low potassium, calcium or magnesium and problems related to sodium retention.
Can it be mixed with fruit juice?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.