What is a treatment option for hyperkalemia that can promote potassium excretion?

Kayexalate, known generically as sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is a treatment option for hyperkalemia that works by promoting potassium excretion. It functions as a cation exchange resin, which means it exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines. This process leads to increased potassium excretion in the feces. When administered, the resin binds to potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and helps remove it from the body, effectively lowering serum potassium levels.

While other treatments like Lasix (a diuretic) can also help reduce serum potassium levels by increasing urinary potassium excretion, Kayexalate specifically targets the intestinal exchange mechanism. Calcium gluconate and insulin, on the other hand, are typically used in the acute management of hyperkalemia to stabilize the cardiac membrane and drive potassium into the cells, respectively, but they do not directly enhance potassium removal from the body. Therefore, Kayexalate is the most direct treatment option for promoting potassium excretion in the context of hyperkalemia management.