Calcium polystyrene sulfonate (Calcium Resonium)
Indications
Calcium polystyrene sulfonate (Calcium Resonium) is used for:
Hyperkalemia, due to acute & chronic renal failure.
Adult Dose
Oral
Adult
15-30 g daily orally, suspended in 30-50 mL water, in 3-4 divided doses.
Child Dose
Oral
Children
½ adult dose.
An appropriate initial dose is 1g/kg body weight daily in divided doses, in acute hyperkalaemia.
Dosage may be reduced to 0.5g/kg body weight daily in divided doses for maintenance therapy.
Renal Dose
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins. Hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, sarcoidosis or carcinoma metastases w/ renal failure & hypercalcemia. Serum K level <5 mmol/L.
Precautions
Regularly monitor serum Mg, Ca & K level. Discontinue use as soon as serum K level falls to 5 mmol/L; clinically significant constipation. Mg containing laxatives should not be used. Aspiration. Concomitant use w/ sorbitol.
Pregnancy-Lactation
No data are available regarding the use of polystyrene sulfonate resins in pregnancy and lactation. The administration of Calcium Resonium in pregnancy and during breast feeding therefore is not advised unless, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks.
Interactions
Depletion of serum K level may increase digitalis intoxication. Cation donating agents may reduce effectiveness in binding K. Intestinal obstruction w/ Al hydroxide. Toxic effects of digoxin may be exaggerated if hypokalemia &/or hypercalcemia develop.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Calcium polystyrene sulfonate (Calcium Resonium) :
Constipation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomach discomfort; hypokalemia; hypercalcemia, Intestinal perforation & obstruction.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate acts by a cumulative process throughout the gastrointestinal tract, removing potassium ions which are excreted in the feces. Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate passes through the colon and comes into contact with fluids containing increased amounts of potassium. The result is that potassium is taken up in increasing amounts in exchange for calcium ions. The length of time Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate remains in the body is a decisive factor in its effectiveness. For this reason oral administration is more effective than rectal administration