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Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Pronounced SO-dee-um pol-i-STY-reen SUL-fo-nate
Brand names: Kayexalate
Type: Potassium binder · All Kidney & Dialysis Medicines
What Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used for
- High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
- High potassium in chronic kidney disease
◆ Kidney note
A traditional potassium binder largely replaced by newer options; it also exchanges sodium into the body, which matters in fluid-sensitive kidney and heart patients.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea (with sorbitol forms)
Important cautions
- Has been linked to rare but serious bowel injury, especially when given with sorbitol or in people with slow gut movement — severe stomach pain needs urgent review
- Works slowly, so it is not the sole treatment for life-threatening potassium levels
How it comes
Powder and liquid (by mouth or enema). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Kidney & Dialysis Medicines
Condition guides on MedicalVideos.com
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.