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Potassium phosphate (Intravenous)

Generic name: potassium phosphate [ poe-TAS-ee-um-FOS-fate ]
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 25, 2023.

Uses for potassium phosphate

Potassium phosphate injection is a phosphate replacement that is used to treat or prevent hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus in the blood). It is also used as an additive in the preparation of fluid formula injections. This medicine is given to patients who cannot receive a phosphate supplement by mouth.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using potassium phosphate

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of potassium phosphate injection in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of potassium phosphate injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of potassium phosphate

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Detailed Potassium phosphate dosage information

Precautions while using potassium phosphate

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine contains aluminum which can cause harm especially to premature babies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine may increase your risk of having serious heart or heart rhythm problems (eg, QT prolongation). Check with your doctor right away if you start having dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, seizures, or fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.

This medicine may also increase your risk of having blood clots in the lungs. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of potassium phosphate

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Parenteral Electrolyte, Potassium

Potassium phosphate side effects (more detail)

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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