Sodium polystyrene sulfonate belongs to the class of medications called cation-exchange resins. It is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia).
It lowers the level of potassium in the blood by binding to potassium in the intestine.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Oral: The average adult dose is 15 grams taken 1 to 4 times daily. Each dose should be mixed in 45 mL to 60 mL of water or syrup. Children's doses are based on body weight.
Rectal: The recommended adult dose is 30 to 50 grams given 1 or 2 times daily (at intervals of 6 hours). Children's doses are based on body weight.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from freezing and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Light brown, to brown, finely ground powder of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The sodium content is approximately 4.1 mmol (100 mg) per gram.
Each 60 mL of brown, cherry-flavoured suspension contains sodium polystyrene sulfonate USP 15 g, sorbitol 14.1 g, and methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. The sodium content is 65 mmol (1.5 g)/60 mL.
Each 120 mL of brown suspension contains sodium polystyrene sulfonate USP 30 g, sorbitol 28.2 g, and contains methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. The sodium content is 65 mmol (1.5 g)/60 mL.
Do not use this medication if you:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate should not be given orally to newborns or rectally to newborns with slowed movement through the intestines.
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