Daily Medication Pearl: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)

Indication: Kayexalate is a potassium binder indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Insight:

• Dosing: The average total daily adult oral dose of Kayexalate is 15 g to 60 g, administered as a 15-g dose (4 level teaspoons), 1 to 4 times daily.
• Dosage forms: Kayexalate is available as a cream to light brown, finely ground powder.
• Adverse events: Reported adverse reactions include anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, fecal impaction, gastrointestinal concretions (bezoars), ischemic colitis, nausea, and vomiting.
• Mechanism of action: Kayexalate increases fecal potassium excretion through binding of potassium in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The binding of potassium reduces the concentration of free potassium in the gastrointestinal lumen, resulting in a reduction of serum potassium levels. The practical exchange ratio is 1 mEq K per 1 gram of resin.

Source: label (fda.gov)