The only drug for hyperkalemia therapy approved by the FDA (Drug Quality Control Authority) is sodium polystyrenesulfonate in the pharmaceutical market. But many doctors claim that this substance often leads to the development of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Is it really?
Description of the drug
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate is a cation exchange resin that exchanges potassium for sodium in the gastrointestinal tract. One gram of such a product is able to bind 1 mmol of potassium, resulting in three moles of sodium. Preparations containing this substance are available in powder form for the preparation of a suspension, one gram of which contains one gram of the active ingredient.
Many people wonder what medicines contain sodium polystyrenesulfonate. Doctors distinguish the following: "Kayeksalat" or "Resonium A". There is such a medication as Kalimeyt. The instructions to it indicate that this drug is tolerated by patients much better, since calcium is not present in its composition.
These drugs are able to effectively fight hyperkalemia in kidney failure in acute or chronic form.
Therapeutic effect
If the cation exchange resin is used in the treatment of hyperkalemia, the symptoms of the pathology can be quickly eliminated. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, sodium cations are replaced by potassium cations from the blood of a sick person. One gram of the drug can replace up to 71 milligrams of potassium.
But a large amount of sodium in the body negatively affects the human condition, since there is a risk of increased blood pressure, swelling, heart failure.
The therapeutic effect is observed two hours after using the product and lasts for six hours. The potassium level in the patient's body decreases to 1 mmol / L.
The drug in the body is not absorbed, excreted in the feces. In some cases, small particles (less than 5 microns) penetrated through the mucous epithelium and were deposited in macrophages.
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate: instructions for use
The drug is pre-diluted in one hundred milliliters of a solution of sorbitol 20% so that the patient does not have constipation. This tool is taken orally in a dosage of 20 to 50 grams, it all depends on the severity of the pathology and the individual characteristics of the body. Also, sodium polystyrenesulfonate can be used in the form of an enema. To do this, make a solution of 150 milliliters of pure water, 50 milliliters of a solution of sorbitol 70% and 50 grams of the product.
The drug is taken orally every six hours, an enema is allowed to be done every two hours. When preparing the suspension, it is recommended not to inhale the drug, since the development of bronchitis in acute form is possible.
Application restrictions
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate has a number of contraindications for use:
- bowel obstruction;
- high susceptibility to this substance;
- children under 18 years old;
- the period of gestation and breastfeeding;
- when the concentration of potassium in the blood is below 5 mmol / l.
With caution, a remedy is prescribed in the presence of constipation, intestinal stenosis, peptic ulcer, as well as elderly people.
The development of side effects, overdose
When using the drug, a certain amount of calcium and magnesium may be lost. Nausea, vomiting, colitis, diarrhea, allergies may appear. When using the drug in high doses, fecal stones, hypokalemia can form. In this case, the medication is stopped, symptomatic therapy is carried out.
If negative symptoms appear, consult a doctor. With the development of constipation, treatment is temporarily suspended.
Additional Information
The drug is stored in a dry, dark place where the air temperature does not exceed twenty-five degrees. Shelf life is three years from the date of release of the drug.
Sodium polystyrenesulfonate is not available at all pharmacies in the country. A prescription is dispensed. So, the drug "Resonium A" will have a cost of about eight thousand rubles per package. Kayeksalat will cost about the same. Packaging "Kalimeyta" can be purchased for one and a half thousand rubles.
Today, many experts believe that it is sodium polystyrenesulfonate that fights hyperkalemia precisely. This substance is prescribed most often, despite the development of many side effects.