Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Indications

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used for: Hyperkalemia

Adult Dose

Oral Hyperkalaemia Adult: As suspension in water or syrup or as sweetened paste: 15 g up to 4 times daily. Not to be taken with fruit juices that have high potassium content. Rectal Hyperkalaemia Adult: As enema (suspension): 30 g in 100 ml of 2% methylcellulose '450' and 100 ml of water, retained for at least 9 hr, if possible. Higher doses may be retained for a shorter period of time. Irrigate colon after retention to remove the resin.

Child Dose

Oral Hyperkalaemia Child: Acute hyperkalaemia: 1 g/kg daily in divided doses. Maintenance: 500 mg/kg daily. Rectal Hyperkalaemia Child: and neonates: Acute hyperkalaemia: 1 g/kg daily in divided doses. Maintenance: 500 mg/kg daily.

Renal Dose

Administration

Oral Preparation For each gram of powdered resin add 3-4 mL of water or syrup Do not heat solution to improve dissolution; heat impairs resin exchange Rectal Preparation Suspend dose in 100 mL of aqueous liquid (eg, water, sorbitol 25%, methylcellulose 1%, dextrose 10%) Oral Administration Shake suspension well before administering Administer PO or via NG tube with patient in upright position Do not take other oral medications within 3 hr of dosing (6 hr for patients with gastroparesis or other conditions) because of potential GI binding Do not mix with potassium containing liquids or food (eg, orange juice, bananas) Suspension may be chilled to improve palatability Rectal Administration Administer cleansing enema beforehand Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as warm emulsion (body temperature) Gently agitate suspension during administration Retain in colon for at least 30-60 min (several hours if possible) After completing retention, use nonsodium colonic irrigant to remove remaining resin

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins. Oral admin to neonates; neonates with reduced gut motility; obstructive bowel disease. Hypokalaemia.

Precautions

Renal failure and conditions requiring a restricted sodium intake e.g. heart failure and severe hypertension. Rectal admin to neonates and children. Monitor for electrolyte disturbances and symptoms of hypokalaemia. Discontinue treatment if clinically significant constipation develops. Irrigate colon after admin of enema to ensure removal of resin. Pregnancy; lactation. Lactation Not absorbed systemically by the mother, so breastfeeding is not expected to result in risk to the infant

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Not absorbed systemically following oral or rectal administration and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal risk Lactation Not absorbed systemically by the mother, so breastfeeding is not expected to result in risk to the infant

Interactions

Reduces absorption of thyroxine and lithium salts. Enhances adverse effects of cardiac glycosides. Potassium-lowering effect may be reduced when used with other cation-containing antacids.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Sodium polystyrene sulfonate : 1-10% GI disturbance Constipation Hypokalemia Hypocalcemia Hypomagnesemia Sodium retention Nausea Vomiting Frequency Not Defined GI concretions (bezoars) after oral use GI tract ulceration or necrosis, which could lead to perforation Fecal impaction after rectal administration (especially in children) Acute bronchitis or bronchopneumonia associated with inhalation of polystyrene particles (rare)

Mechanism of Action

Sodium polysytrene sulfonate exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions and other cations in the GI tract before the resin is excreted in the faeces.