Cation exchange resins 

Cation exchange resins are used in medicine to remove an excess of a particular positively charged ion that has accumulated in the body. When the resin is administered to the patient the positively charged ions binds to the resin in an exchange for another positive ion. Once bound to the resin it passes through the system to be removed, resulting in a reduction in the level of the excess ion.

Anion resins and cation resins are the two most common resins used in the ion-exchange process. While anion resins attract negatively charged ions, cation resins attract positively charged ions.

These magnesium wasting medications include stool softeners (docusate), stimulants (senna), and osmotic laxatives. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a sodium cation exchange resin, has been used for over 60 years as a treatment for hyperkalemia, particularly in those with CKD.

Treatment options for hyperkalemia include the potassium exchange resins of which two new potassium binders, Patiromer Sorbitex Calcium, and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) have demonstrated their clinical efficacy in reducing serum potassium with a positive safety profile.