RESONIUM A POWDER
SODIUM POLYSTERENE SULPHONATE 99.934% W/W
What it does
Polystyrene is used to help remove excess potassium from the body.
Commonly used for: high potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:17:42 · updated 2026-07-20 09:00:55
About polysterene
Polystyrene is used to help remove excess potassium from the body.
What it treats
- high potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
How it works
Polystyrene works by binding to potassium in the gut, which helps to lower its levels in the blood.
Who it's for
This medication is for patients with high potassium levels, which can be harmful to the heart and other organs.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About sulphonate
Sulphonate is a type of medication that can help manage certain health conditions.
What it treats
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart failure
- fluid retention (oedema)
How it works
Sulphonate helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which can lower blood pressure and help the heart work more efficiently.
Who it's for
This medication is usually prescribed for adults with high blood pressure, heart failure, or those who retain fluid.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: polysterene
Polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin used primarily to treat hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to increased potassium excretion through the feces. It is particularly useful in emergency settings for patients with renal impairment or those undergoing dialysis.
Indications
- Hyperkalemia
- Management of elevated potassium levels in patients with renal impairment
- Adjunct therapy in certain cases of heart failure or diuretic use
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific guidelines or clinical protocols for dosing information.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines or clinical protocols for dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Polystyrene sulfonate functions as a cation-exchange resin. It binds potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract and exchanges them for sodium ions. This process reduces the serum potassium concentration by facilitating its excretion through fecal elimination.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effect of polystyrene sulfonate is primarily the lowering of serum potassium levels. The onset of action can vary, but the effects generally occur within 1 to 2 hours after administration. The duration of action may last several hours, depending on the dosage and the patient's gastrointestinal transit time.
Pharmacokinetics
Polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed systemically; it remains within the gastrointestinal tract. Its effects are local, and it is excreted primarily through feces. The resin is not metabolized by the body, and its elimination is related to the bowel transit time.
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders
- Monitor electrolyte levels during treatment
- Ensure adequate hydration
Pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Use with caution.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Formulations
- Oral suspension
- Powder for oral solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: sulphonate
BNF-referencedSulphonate refers to a class of compounds containing the sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), which can be used in various pharmaceutical applications. They serve as important intermediates in the synthesis of drugs and play a role in enhancing solubility and bioavailability of certain medications. The molecular formula C6H6FN3O4S indicates a sulphonate derivative that may exhibit specific pharmacological properties.
Mechanism of action
Sulphonates exert their effects primarily through the inhibition of certain enzymes or pathways involved in metabolic processes. They may interact with cellular receptors or transporters, leading to alterations in ion transport, enzyme activity, and cellular signaling.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of sulphonates is largely dependent on their specific structure and the biological targets they interact with. Generally, they may modulate the activity of neurotransmitters, influence the reactivity of free radicals, or affect cellular signaling pathways, contributing to their therapeutic effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Sulphonates are typically absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with variable bioavailability depending on the specific compound. They are metabolized primarily in the liver, with subsequent elimination through renal pathways. The half-life and clearance can vary significantly based on the compound's structure and the individual's physiology.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: sulphonate
PubChem CID 121825Molecular formula: C6H6FN3O4S
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.