Sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin candy for control of potassium in chronic dialysis patients

A stable candy with 5.0 g sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin per piece was developed. In vitro testing indicated decrease in potassium concentration of 1.0 mEq per gram of resin. Six chronic dialysis patients with predialysis serum potassium of 5.2 mEq per liter or greater participated in a two week blind trial. No change in diet or dialysis routine was made during the study. Analysis of serum potassium by paired "t" test showed mean potassium decrease of 0.7 mEq per liter during treatment (P less than 0.001). Patient compliance and acceptance was excellent during the trial. Use in the treatment of chronic hyperkalemia may be worthwhile in the care of long-term dialysis patients.