Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Also known as: Kayexalate, Kionex, SPS, Elutit-Natrium, KExit, Kexelate, Resinsodio, Resonium, Resonium A
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is used to help lower dangerously high potassium levels in your pet's blood. * **Administration:** This medication can be given by mouth or as an enema. If given by mouth, it is often mixed with a sweet liquid (sorbitol) to help it move through the digestive tract and prevent constipation. Shake liquid suspensions very well before each use. * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of constipation, loss of appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Contact your veterinarian if your pet stops having bowel movements. * **Interactions:** Do not give your pet over-the-counter antacids or laxatives (especially those containing calcium or magnesium, like Milk of Magnesia) while they are taking this medication, as it can cause dangerous changes in blood chemistry. * **Follow-up:** Your pet will need frequent blood tests to ensure their potassium and sodium levels remain in a safe range.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Life-threatening hyperkalemia in neonatal foals
- Hyperkalemia
- Mild hyperkalemia (<6 mEq/L)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Constipation (fecal impaction reported rarely)
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Hypokalemia (from overuse)
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Sodium retention / Hypernatremia
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients on severely restricted sodium diets
- Severe congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Severe hypertension
- Oliguric or anuric acute kidney injury (where sodium load cannot be excreted)
- Conditions predisposing to severe constipation or bowel obstruction
- Because large quantities of **sodium** may be released and absorbed during the exchange process, use with extreme caution in patients requiring sodium restriction (e.g., severe CHF, hypertension). Overdosage or prolonged use can lead to severe electrolyte derangements, specifically **hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia**. When given orally, it is generally mixed with a cathartic (like 70% sorbitol) to hasten transit time and prevent severe constipation or fecal impaction. However, **do not use a cathartic if administering as a retention enema**, as the resin must remain in the colon for at least 30 minutes to be effective.
Drug interactions
- Antacids (Calcium or Magnesium containing): SPS may bind with magnesium or calcium, preventing bicarbonate ion neutralization and potentially leading to systemic metabolic alkalosis. Concurrent use is not recommended.
- Laxatives (Calcium or Magnesium containing): Similar to antacids, can lead to metabolic alkalosis and reduced potassium-binding efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate used for in pets?
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is used to help lower dangerously high potassium levels in your pet's blood. * **Administration:** This medication can be given by mouth or as an enema. If given by mouth, it is often mixed with a sweet liquid (sorbitol) to help it move through the digestive tract and prevent constipation. Shake liquid suspensions very well before each use. * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of constipation, loss of appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Contact your veterinarian if your pet stops having bowel movements. * **Interactions:** Do not give your pet over-the-counter antacids or laxatives (especially those containing calcium or magnesium, like Milk of Magnesia) while they are taking this medication, as it can cause dangerous changes in blood chemistry. * **Follow-up:** Your pet will need frequent blood tests to ensure their potassium and sodium levels remain in a safe range.
Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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