Can you take sodium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Because sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not orally absorbed, it is unlikely to reach the breastmilk or adversely affect the breastfed infant after maternal administration. No special precautions are required.
A suspension of sodium polystyrene sulfonate has been added directly to breastmilk to lower the potassium concentration of milk for use in infants with renal impairment. In addition to lowering average potassium content by 65%, the calcium content of breastmilk was reduced by 84%. Infants given either expressed breastmilk, formula or a combination of both had their average serum potassium levels decreased by 24% from 6.3 to 4.8 mEq/L. Serum calcium and creatinine also decreased slightly. The infants had no clinically noticeable side effects. Addition of large amounts of sodium polystyrene sulfonate to artificial formula also lowers the calcium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc concentrations; whereas the iron, sodium and sulfur content of formulas are increased. Similar changes might occur with breastmilk.
Quoted from Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised July 19, 2021.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
- Patiromer
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take sodium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding?
What the NIH's Drugs and Lactation Database says about Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate while breastfeeding — quoted in full. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of sodium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Patiromer as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Do I need to pump and dump after taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on sodium polystyrene sulfonate
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.