What is this medication for?

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), also known as Resonium, is used for the treatment of high potassium levels in the blood. It helps to maintain normal potassium levels by removing potassium from the intestines.

Some people may be required to take this medication long term.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Take exactly as your healthcare professional has told you.

• Do not stop your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

There are different formulations of SPS, such as an oral powder, ready to use suspension and the enema. The oral powder and suspension are more commonly prescribed.

• Oral powder

  • Mix the powder in a small amount of water to form a suspension. Finish the suspension immediately after mixing it.

  • Do not mix the powder with fruit juice.

• Suspension

  • Shake well before drinking.

  • Do not mix the suspension with fruit juice.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, do it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients in this medication

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

• You are taking any other medications, laxatives, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

• You are on a sodium-restricted diet

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

The side effects for SPS are usually mild and generally well tolerated. They include the following:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

These symptoms may happen, but they should get better over time. Check with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they become worse.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

If you develop any signs of electrolyte problems such as:

• Muscle pain, cramps or spasm

• Muscle weakness

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Severe stomach upset

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Take this medication 3 hours before or after taking other oral medications.

Certain medications need to be space apart from the administration of SPS as they can affect how SPS works. These include:

• Digoxin

• Lithium

• Levothyroxine

• Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium

Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking these medications.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Discard the medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last reviewed on Apr 2023