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Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (commonly known by the brand names Kayexalate and Kionex) is a potassium-binding resin used to treat hyperkalemia — dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. It is most commonly prescribed for patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease whose kidneys cannot adequately remove excess potassium. The medication has been a mainstay of hyperkalemia treatment for decades and is available as a powder that you mix with liquid, a pre-mixed suspension, or a rectal enema.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin. When taken orally or given rectally, it travels through your gastrointestinal tract and exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. The potassium binds to the resin and is then eliminated from your body through your stool instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream. Each gram of resin can bind approximately 1 mEq of potassium. The resin is not perfectly selective — it may also bind small amounts of calcium and magnesium.
The typical dose is 15 g to 60 g per day, given as a single dose or divided throughout the day. Each 15 g dose binds approximately 15 mEq of potassium.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate scores a 50 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate. The pre-mixed oral suspension form has experienced intermittent shortages due to limited manufacturers — Hikma is not currently marketing the suspension. However, the powder form remains more consistently available from generic manufacturers like ECI Pharmaceuticals and Amneal. If your pharmacy is out of stock on the suspension, ask your prescriber about switching to the powder form, which you mix with water before taking.
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Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate can be prescribed by any licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. It is most commonly prescribed by:
No specialist referral is typically required to receive a prescription.
No. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It has no abuse potential. It is a standard prescription medication that can be called in or electronically prescribed to any pharmacy without special restrictions.
Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately): intestinal necrosis, bowel obstruction, severe constipation or fecal impaction, signs of low potassium (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, seizures), and gastrointestinal bleeding. The FDA has warned against using Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate with sorbitol due to reports of colonic necrosis.
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking before starting Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate remains one of the most affordable and widely used treatments for hyperkalemia, but finding the suspension form in stock can be a challenge due to ongoing manufacturer issues. If your pharmacy can't fill the suspension, the powder form is a good alternative — just mix it with water as directed. For patients who experience significant GI side effects or can't tolerate SPS, newer alternatives like Patiromer (Veltassa) and Lokelma exist, though at a higher cost. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you and save time instead of calling around.
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