Resonium A (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Resonium A Used For?
Resonium A is a medication that helps your body get rid of too much potassium in your blood. It works by binding to potassium in your intestines and removing it through your bowel movements.
Primary Uses
Resonium A is used to help remove excessive amounts of potassium from the blood when levels become dangerously high.
How It Works
The active ingredient sodium polystyrene sulfonate contains sodium atoms that swap places with potassium in your body, particularly in the large intestine. The medication doesn’t enter your bloodstream – it passes through your digestive system and is eliminated with the potassium through your bowel movements.
Good to know: Resonium A does not enter the bloodstream from the intestine and is passed naturally with your bowel movements
How to Take Resonium A
Resonium A can be given either by mouth as a powder mixed with liquid, or rectally as an enema. Your doctor will determine the exact amount you need based on your potassium levels.
Dosage Instructions
For oral use: Adults typically take 15g three to four times daily. 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 or sorbitol). For rectal use: Adults receive 30-50g in 150 mL of water or 10% dextrose as a retention enema. Lower doses are used for infants and children. Take oral doses at least 3 hours before or after other medications. Use the mixture immediately after preparation, or store for no longer than 24 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, don’t try to make up for it by taking extra medication. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never double your dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your risk of side effects
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
- gastric 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 safety considerations before taking Resonium A. Make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and medications.
Who Should Not Take Resonium A
Do not use Resonium A if you are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or any ingredients, have a bowel obstruction, or have low potassium levels (less than 5 mmol/L). Do not give oral Resonium A to newborn babies as it can cause bowel obstruction – it should only be given rectally to newborns.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, bowel problems or constipation, delayed gastric emptying, abnormal bowel movements, kidney problems, swelling with fluid (edema), or if you plan to have surgery. Also inform them if you take sorbitol sweetener, as this combination can cause serious gut damage.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Resonium A if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Like most medicines of this kind, it is not recommended during pregnancy. It’s unknown whether the medication passes into breast milk. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop immediately and contact your doctor.
Sorbitol Warning: Never take sorbitol (sugar-free sweetener) while using Resonium A – this combination can cause severe gut damage including narrowing and reduced blood flow
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Resonium A works or be affected by it. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
Timing Important: Take Resonium A at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications
- 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 Resonium A.
Storage
Keep Resonium A in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Store it away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t keep it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the medication where young children cannot reach it. If you no longer need the medicine or it’s expired, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Resonium A, seek urgent medical attention immediately. 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 don’t feel unwell. Large doses can cause serious potassium deficiency, leading to irritability, confusion, muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, or paralysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by binding to potassium in your intestines and removing it through bowel movements. Your doctor will regularly check your blood potassium levels to monitor how well it’s working.
Yes, the powder can be mixed with sweetened liquid or given with drinks, jam, or honey for children. However, never mix it with fruit juices as they contain potassium, which would work against the medication.
Don’t try to make up for missed doses by taking extra medication. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose.
No, do not stop taking Resonium A or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor needs to monitor your potassium levels and determine when it’s safe to stop.
Fruit juices contain potassium, which would work against the medication’s purpose of removing excess potassium from your body. Mix the powder with water or sweetened liquid instead.
Once you’ve mixed the powder with liquid, use it immediately. If you need to store it, it should only be kept for no longer than 24 hours.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you’re taking Resonium A if you plan to have surgery requiring general anesthesia. They will advise you on how to manage your medication around the procedure.
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.