Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
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%.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] Similar changes might occur with breastmilk.
Effects on the breastfed infant
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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate” (LM1176). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.