indication

Used to treat abnormally high potassium levels.

pharmacology

Polystyrene sulfonate affects the exchange of sodium and potassium in the body. Polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, also called hyperkalemia. It is a potassium-binding ion-exchange resin that can be administered orally (25 grams in 20% sorbitol) or rectally (50 grams in 20% sorbitol).

mechanism of action

Polystyrene sulfonate, which is not absorbed, binds excess potassium, carrying it out of the body. The indigestible potassium polystryene sulfonate complex is excreted with the faeces, preventing the absorption of potassium into the blood stream. Hence, the serum potassium level decreases.

toxicity

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, irritability, trouble thinking or concentrating, muscle weakness, or trouble breathing.

biotransformation

none

absorption

Not absorbed following oral administration.

half life

none

route of elimination

Feces.

drug interactions

Aluminium: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Amiloride: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Calcium: Formation of non-absorbable complexes

Eplerenone: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Magnesium: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Potassium: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Spironolactone: Risk of alkalosis in renal impairment

Triamterene: Antagonism of action