Kionex (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder) and Nitric Oxide

• Generic Name: sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• Dosage Forms: oral / rectal suspension
• Other Brand Names: Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex

• It is used to treat high potassium levels.

• Generic Name: nitric oxide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Inomax

Used in conjunction with ventilatory support and other appropriate therapy to improve oxygenation and reduce the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in term or near-term (>34 weeks of age) neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure and clinical or ECG evidence of pulmonary hypertension.

Most effective in patients with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension who have minimal underlying parenchymal lung disease (idiopathic persistent pulmonary hypertension).

Least effective in neonates with pulmonary hypoplasia (e.g., congenital diaphragmatic hernia).

Has been used with good results (i.e., decreased the incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia) in premature neonates (<34 weeks’ gestation) who were undergoing mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome.