Calcium Resonium (Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Calcium Resonium Used For?
Calcium Resonium is a medication that helps your body get rid of too much potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
Primary Uses
Calcium Resonium is used to help remove excessive amounts of potassium from the blood when levels become dangerously high.
How It Works
The medication contains calcium atoms that swap places with potassium in your body, particularly in the large intestine. The medicine doesn't enter your bloodstream – instead, it passes through your system with the unwanted potassium and is eliminated in your stool.
Good to know: Calcium Resonium works locally in your intestines and doesn't enter your bloodstream, making it a targeted treatment for high potassium levels.
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How to Take Calcium Resonium
Calcium Resonium can be taken by mouth as a powder mixed with liquid, or given rectally as an enema. Your doctor will determine the best method and dosage for your specific situation.
Dosage Instructions
For oral use: Adults typically take 15g three to four times daily (use the provided spoon which holds 15g when level). Children receive 1g per kg of body weight in divided doses. Mix the powder with 3-4 mL of water per gram, or with sweetened liquid (but never fruit juices). Take at least 3 hours before or after other medications. For rectal use: Adults receive 30g in 150 mL of water or 10% dextrose as a retention enema. Children and infants receive lower doses. Newborns receive 0.5-1g per kg of body weight rectally only. The enema should be retained for at least 9 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, don't try to make up for it by taking extra medicine. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to catch up.
Important: Never take Calcium Resonium with fruit juices or sorbitol, as this can cause serious intestinal problems. Always take it at least 3 hours apart from other oral medications.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- muscle cramps
- loss of appetite
- stomach irritation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hives
- fainting
- severe stomach pain
- rectal pain
- bloating
- severe constipation
- severe nausea and vomiting
- black, bloody or tarry stools
- coughing up blood
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Calcium Resonium should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Calcium Resonium
Do not use if you have: allergies to calcium polystyrene sulfonate or any ingredients; bowel obstruction; high calcium levels in blood; high parathyroid hormone levels; multiple myeloma or sarcoidosis; low potassium levels (less than 5 mmol/L).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid conditions; constipation; delayed gastric emptying; abnormal bowel movements; bone marrow disorders or tumors. Also inform them if you're planning surgery or taking sorbitol sweetener.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Calcium Resonium if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop immediately and contact your doctor. For newborn babies, never give oral Calcium Resonium as it can cause bowel obstruction – only rectal administration is safe.
Sorbitol Warning: Never take sorbitol (sugar-free sweetener) while using Calcium Resonium, as this combination can cause severe intestinal damage including narrowing of the gut wall and reduced blood flow.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Calcium Resonium works, so it's important to tell your doctor about all medicines you're taking.
Timing Important: Take Calcium Resonium at least 3 hours before or after other oral medications to prevent interactions.
- sorbitol (sugar-free sweetener)
- digoxin (heart medication)
- laxatives
- thyroxine (thyroid medication)
- lithium (bipolar disorder medication)
- antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while taking Calcium Resonium.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No specific driving restrictions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Storage
Store Calcium Resonium in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don't store it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the medicine where young children cannot reach it. Once you mix the powder with liquid, use it right away, or store for no longer than 24 hours.
Overdose Information
If you think you've taken too much Calcium Resonium, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Taking too much can cause serious potassium deficiency, leading to irritability, confusion, muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, or paralysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by binding potassium in your intestines and removing it through your stool. Your doctor will monitor your blood potassium levels regularly to determine how well it's working.
Yes, you can take it with food, but avoid fruit juices as they contain potassium. You can mix it with sweetened liquids, or for children, with drinks (not fruit juice), jam, or honey.
Don't try to make up for missed doses by taking extra medicine. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Never double dose.
No, don't stop taking Calcium Resonium or change your dosage without checking with your doctor first. Your potassium levels need to be monitored and managed carefully.
Fruit juices contain potassium, which would work against the medication's purpose of removing excess potassium from your body. Always mix with water or other sweetened liquids instead.
Once you mix the powder with liquid, use it right away. If you need to store it, don't keep it longer than 24 hours. The mixed medicine will be cream to light brown colored with small white particles.
Children can take Calcium Resonium, but the dose is calculated based on body weight (1g per kg). For newborn babies, it should NEVER be given by mouth due to risk of bowel obstruction – only rectal administration is safe for newborns.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.