Potassium Phosphate Tablets

Generic name: Potassium Phosphate Tablets [ poe-TAS-ee-um-FOS-fate ]
Brand name: K-Phos Original
Drug class: Urinary pH modifiers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 1, 2023.

Uses of Potassium Phosphate Tablets:

It is used to lower the urine's pH.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Potassium Phosphate Tablets?

If you are allergic to this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets); any part of this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: High phosphate levels, high potassium levels, or high or low calcium levels.
If you have any of these health problems: Infected kidney stones or kidney disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Potassium Phosphate Tablets?

For all uses of this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets):

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor.
Do not take antacids that have aluminum, magnesium, or calcium in them with this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

For lowering the urine's pH:

If you have kidney stones, you may pass old stones when this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets) is started. Talk with your doctor.

How is this medicine (Potassium Phosphate Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Dissolve in 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 mL) of water. Let soak for 2 to 5 minutes or more if needed and stir.
Take this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets) with meals and at bedtime or as you have been told by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
Signs of low calcium levels like muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling, or seizures.
Signs of low magnesium levels like mood changes, muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps or spasms, seizures, shakiness, not hungry, very bad upset stomach or throwing up, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Not able to move.
Feeling of heaviness in your arms or legs.
Chest pain or pressure.
Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
Bone or joint pain.

What are some other side effects of Potassium Phosphate Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Upset stomach or throwing up.
Stomach pain or diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Potassium Phosphate Tablets?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep lid tightly closed.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (potassium phosphate tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.