Asking the question again: are cation exchange resins effective for the treatment of hyperkalemia?

Abstract

Sodium polysterene sulfonate (Kayexalate^®) is a cross-linked polymer to which reactive sulfonic groups are attached and preloaded with sodium (Na⁺). When placed in a solution, its reactive sulfonate groups exchange their bound Na⁺ for another cation in the solution. Sodium polysterene sulfonate (SPS) [Although ‘SPS’ is often used as an abbreviation for sodium polystyrene sulfonate, SPS^® is actually a brand name for sodium polystyrene sulfonate in sorbitol.] has long been used for the treatment of hyperkalemia, assuming that its reactive sulfonate groups exchange bound Na⁺ for potassium (K⁺) in the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing loss of K⁺ in stool.