Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is a non-absorbed, cation exchange polymer that contains a sodium counterion. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension increases fecal potassium excretion through binding of potassium in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Binding of potassium reduces the concentration of free potassium in the gastrointestinal lumen, resulting in a reduction of serum potassium levels. The practical exchange ratio is 1 mEq K per 1 gram of resin. As the resin passes along the intestine or is retained in the colon after administration by enema, the sodium ions are partially released and are replaced by potassium ions.

Mechanism class: Potassium Ion Exchange Activity

Indications

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Limitation of Use: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action . Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia . Limitation of Use: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action .

Dosage and administration (summary)

Oral : The average total daily adult dose of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is 15 g to 60 g, administered as a 15-g dose (four level teaspoons), one to four times daily . Rectal : The average adult dose is 30 g to 50 g every six hours . General Information Administer Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications. Patients with gastroparesis may require a 6 hour separation [ see Warnings and Precautions and Drug Interaction ] Recommended Dosage The intensity and duration of therapy depend upon the severity and resistance of hyperkalemia.

Contraindications

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: •Hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins •Obstructive bowel disease •Neonates with reduced gut motility •Hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins •Obstructive bowel disease •Neonates with reduced gut motility

Warnings and precautions

•Intestinal Necrosis: cases of intestinal necrosis and other serious gastrointestinal events have been reported . •Electrolyte Disturbances: Severe hypokalemia can occur. . •Fluid overload in patient sensitive to high sodium intake: Monitor patients who are sensitive to sodium intake for signs of fluid overload. . •Risk of aspiration: Acute bronchitis or bronchopneumonia caused by inhalation of sodium polystyrene sulfonate particles has been reported.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is not absorbed systemically following oral or rectal administration and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal risk.

Storage and supply

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder, for Suspension is available as follows: ndc 17856-0024-01 SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE PWD 15 GM CUP 50 ct UD ndc 17856-0024-02 SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE PWD 30 GM CUP 50 ct UD Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

Source: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-05-27, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.