SPS

Medical abbreviation · Drug

SPS stands for Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a drug abbreviation.

Ion-exchange resin, sold as Kayexalate, that binds potassium in the gut in exchange for sodium, used to lower high potassium levels. It acts slowly and is given orally or as an enema.

Example: SPS 15 g PO once for K 5.9; recheck BMP in 6 hours.

Usage notes

The FDA has warned that SPS, especially with sorbitol, can cause intestinal necrosis, and its label advises separating other oral drugs by at least 3 hours. Newer binders, patiromer (approved 2015) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (2018), act more predictably. SPS does not replace emergency treatment for dangerous hyperkalemia.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.