Hypophosphatemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate is an electrolyte (mineral) that works with calcium to help build bones. It also helps produce energy. Hypophosphatemia can be acute or chronic. Acute means the level in your blood drops suddenly. Chronic means the level has been low or drops slowly, over time.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have a seizure.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You are confused or have severe trouble thinking.
- You break a bone.
Call your doctor if:
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have diarrhea or constipation that continues for more than 2 days.
- You have muscle pain.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to increase your phosphate level. Medicines may also be used to lower your calcium level or to raise other mineral levels. You will be given instructions on how to take these medicines.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent or manage hypophosphatemia:
- Manage health conditions that can lead to hypophosphatemia. If you have diabetes, it is important to follow your management plan so you prevent DKA. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you have alcohol use disorder and need help to stop drinking. Obesity and eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia can cause malnutrition. This increases your risk for hypophosphatemia. Your provider can help you manage these health conditions or give you information on treatment plans.
- Do not take more antacids or water pills than directed. Follow the directions on the label or that are given to you by your provider. These medicines are often available without a prescription. It can be easy to take too many at one time or in the same day.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans, meats, fish, and whole-wheat breads and cereals. You can prevent malnutrition by eating enough healthy foods every day. Your provider or dietitian can help you plan meals and snacks. Your provider may recommend that you have more food or drinks that contain phosphate. Examples include breads that contain yeast, dairy products, meat, eggs, peas, nuts, and beans. Your provider or a dietitian can tell you how much of these to have each day.
- Exercise as directed. Your phosphate level may drop suddenly if you exercise too much or too intensely. Always warm up before you exercise and cool down after. Your provider can help you create a safe exercise plan.
- Drink liquids as directed. Liquids help your kidneys function well. Liquids can also help prevent dehydration, especially if you have diarrhea. Talk to your provider about how much liquid to have every day. Too much or too little liquid can affect the balance of phosphate and other minerals in your body.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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