Generic
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a hyperkalaemia product used for the treatment of hyperkalemia in acute and chronic renal failure.
Description
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate acts by a cumulative process throughout the gastrointestinal tract, removing potassium ions which are excreted in the feces. It passes through the colon and comes into contact with fluids containing increased amounts of potassium, resulting in potassium being taken up in exchange for calcium ions.
Indications
- Hyperkalemia associated with anuria or severe oliguria
- Hyperkalemia in acute and chronic renal failure
Therapeutic class
Hyperkalaemia Products
Pharmacological class
Potassium Binding Resin
Pharmacology
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate acts by a cumulative process throughout the gastrointestinal tract, removing potassium ions which are excreted in the feces. It passes through the colon and comes into contact with fluids containing increased amounts of potassium, resulting in potassium being taken up in exchange for calcium ions.
Mechanism of action
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate exchanges calcium for potassium in the colon, binding potassium ions which are then excreted in the feces, reducing serum potassium levels.
Dosage
Adult (Oral): 15 g 3-4 times daily (as suspension in water or sweetened vehicle).
Adult (Rectal): 30 g resin in 100 mL 2% methylcellulose and 100 mL water as daily retention enema.
Children (Oral): 1 g/kg/day (acute); maintenance: 0.5 g/kg/day.
Neonates: Rectal only (0.5-1 g/kg).
Administration
Oral: Administer as suspension in water or sweetened vehicle (do not use orange juice or other potassium-containing fruit juices). Rectal: Administer as retention enema.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Side effects
Common: Nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, fecal impaction.
Serious: GI stenosis, intestinal obstruction, GI ischemia, ischemic colitis, rectal hemorrhage, ulceration/necrosis, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia, bronchitis/bronchopneumonia.
Precautions & warnings
Discontinue when serum potassium falls to 5 mmol/L; monitor electrolyte disturbances; discontinue if significant constipation occurs; avoid magnesium-containing laxatives; avoid oral administration in children and neonates.
Contraindications
Serum potassium <5 mmol/L; hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, sarcoidosis, metastatic carcinoma; hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins; obstructive bowel disease; oral administration in neonates.
Drug interactions
Sorbitol, Digitalis drugs, Cation-donating agents, Aluminum hydroxide, Lithium, Thyroxine: Concomitant use is not recommended.
Food interactions
Avoid potassium-containing fruit juices (orange juice).
Use in pregnancy
No data available on use during pregnancy (not absorbed from GI tract).
Pregnancy Category: N/A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
No data available on use during human pregnancy and lactation.
Pediatric use
Oral administration is contraindicated in neonates; only rectal administration should be considered.
Geriatric use
No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Use with caution in patients with kidney disease; monitor electrolytes.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause hypokalemia symptoms (irritability, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, apnea); ECG changes and cardiac arrhythmia may occur.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate