Comprehensive medication guide to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
With insurance, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is usually covered on Tier 1-2 and costs $0 to $15 per fill.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Generic Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate powder typically costs $6 to $50 without insurance, depending on the form and quantity.
Medfinder Findability Score
50/100
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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 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.
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Powder for oral suspension — powder
454 g bulk container (each dose is typically 15 g mixed with water)
Pre-mixed oral suspension — suspension
15 g/60 mL unit-dose bottles (when available)
Rectal enema
30 g/120 mL or 50 g/200 mL for hospital/clinical use
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.
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.
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Patiromer (Veltassa)
A newer calcium-based potassium binder approved in 2015. Better tolerated with fewer GI side effects, but significantly more expensive at approximately $600–$900 per month.
Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (Lokelma)
A non-polymer potassium binder approved in 2018 with faster onset and more selective potassium binding. Costs approximately $500–$800 per month.
Loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)
Can help lower potassium by increasing urinary excretion. Often used as adjunctive therapy rather than a direct substitute.
Prefer Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate? We can find it.
Sorbitol
moderateDo NOT take together; risk of colonic necrosis (potentially fatal)
Other oral medications
moderateSPS may reduce absorption; take other medications at least 3 hours before or after
Lithium
moderateReduced lithium absorption
Thyroxine (Levothyroxine)
moderateReduced absorption
Digitalis glycosides (Digoxin)
moderateSPS-induced low potassium can increase digitalis toxicity
Magnesium or aluminum antacids
moderateRisk of metabolic alkalosis and reduced resin effectiveness
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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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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