About calcium polystyrene sulfonate
Potassium-binding ion-exchange resin
Used for
- Treats high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
Usual adult dose
Oral: commonly 15 g, three or four times daily. Rectal: commonly 30 g daily; dosing varies by urgency and local guidance.
Usual dose in children
Dosing is weight-based and specialist-directed; use varies with age and treatment route.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood potassium
- Low blood calcium or magnesium
Important warnings
- Not for emergency treatment of severe hyperkalemia; it acts slowly.
- Can cause bowel injury, blockage, or rarely tissue death.
- Avoid sorbitol-containing products; they may increase bowel-injury risk.
- Monitor potassium, calcium, magnesium, and bowel function.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; adequate pregnancy safety data are limited.
Breastfeeding
Use only when needed; absorption into the body is minimal, but data are limited.
Interactions
- May reduce absorption of other oral medicines; separate doses by at least three hours.
- May increase toxicity from digoxin if potassium becomes low.
- Avoid combining with sorbitol-containing products.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.