Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperkalemia

Oral:
15 g orally once a day
Maximum dose: 15 g orally 4 times a day

Comments:

• A 15 g dose is equivalent to approximately 4 level teaspoons.
• This drug should be given as a suspension in water or syrup (not fruit juice).

Rectal:
30 g rectally every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 50 g rectally every 6 hours

Comments:

• This drug should be administered via warm emulsion in 100 mL of aqueous vehicle.
• This solution should be gently agitated during administration.
• The enema should be retained as long as possible and should be followed by a cleansing enema.

Use: Treatment of hyperkalemia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hyperkalemia

Calculate dose based on 1 mEq potassium per 1 g resin

Comment:

• A 15 g dose is equivalent to approximately 4 level teaspoons.
• This drug should be given as a suspension in water or syrup (not fruit juice).
• The oral route should be avoided in neonates.

Use: Treatment of hyperkalemia

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dose Adjustments

Treatment intensity and duration should be based upon the severity and resistance of hyperkalemia.

Precautions

Safety has not been established in patients younger than 1 month (oral); effectiveness has not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Shake well before using suspension and gently agitate during administration if given rectally.
• May be given with water or syrup, but avoid fruit juices.
• This drug may be administered through a plastic tube introduced into the stomach.
• Enema should be kept in the rectum for as long as possible and rectum should be washed with a cleansing enema after use.

Storage requirements:

• Once prepared, use within 24 hours.
• Store in an airtight container protected from light and heat.
• If repackaging powder formulation, refrigerate and use within 14 days of opening.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

• Oral formulations should be suspended in 3 to 4 mL of liquid per 1 g resin.
• Enemas should be suspended in 100 mL body-temperature vehicle prior to administration.

General:

• This drug was shown to have lower results as an enema compared to oral suspension.
• If using rectally, may require up to 2 quarts of cleansing solution.
• Each 15 g dose of this drug contains 60 mEq sodium.
• The efficiency of ion exchange is predicted to be around 33%, but is highly variable.

Monitoring:

• Measure potassium levels at least every 24 hours
• Obtain calcium, magnesium, sodium levels periodically

Patient advice:

• Tell patients to contact healthcare provider if constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, confusion, weakness, or delayed though processes occur.
• Caution patients to avoid taking antacids or laxatives with this drug (e.g., sorbitol, magnesium hydroxide)
• Patients should be advised to speak to healthcare provider if pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer