Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a type of polymer used primarily in the medical field as a treatment for hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. It is a type of cation exchange resin that works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the digestive tract.

History

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate was first approved for medical use in the United States in 1958. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Medical Uses

The primary use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate is in the treatment of hyperkalemia. It is typically administered orally or via enema, and works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the digestive tract. This allows for the excess potassium to be excreted from the body, thereby reducing the levels of potassium in the blood.

Side Effects

Like all medications, sodium polystyrene sulfonate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In rare cases, it can cause serious intestinal complications such as bowel necrosis.

Contraindications

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate should not be used in patients with low sodium levels or those with congestive heart failure, as it can exacerbate these conditions. It is also contraindicated in patients with bowel obstruction, as it can increase the risk of bowel necrosis.

See Also

• Hyperkalemia
• Cation exchange resin
• Polymer