potassium phosphate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

potassium phosphate is a source of potassium and phosphorus. It is a dietary supplement that is used to treat or prevent low levels of potassium or phosphorus in the blood, which can occur due to certain medical conditions or treatments. 

potassium phosphate is also sometimes used as a buffering agent in certain medical procedures, such as radiographic studies, to help prevent changes in pH levels in the blood. potassium phosphate is also used in some industrial processes, such as food preservation, water treatment, and as fertilizer. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Phosphorus 

• Hypocalcemic tetany 

Potassium 

• Flaccid paralysis 
• Mental confusion 
• Hypotension 
• Heart block 
• Paresthesias 
• Listlessness 
• Heaviness and weakness of the legs 
• Cardiac arrhythmias 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

potassium phosphate is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia, severe kidney impairment, or adrenal insufficiency. It should also be used under caution in patients with heart disease or electrolyte imbalances.  

Caution: 

• Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels) 
• Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate levels) 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Addison’s disease 
• Severe dehydration 
• Heart disease 
• Liver disease 
• Diabetes 
• Use of certain medications that may interact with potassium phosphate (e.g., ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, heparin) 

Comorbidities: 

potassium phosphate should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart disease, Addison’s disease, and dehydration. Patients with hyperkalemia or who are taking potassium-sparing diuretics should also be monitored closely while taking potassium phosphate. It should also be used under caution in patients with gastrointestinal disorders or a history of peptic ulcers. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. 

Lactation: potassium phosphate is considered safe to use during lactation, as it is naturally present in breast milk and is not known to cause harm to breastfed infants.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

potassium phosphate is an inorganic compound that provides both potassium and phosphate ions to the body. It is used as a source of potassium and phosphate for the treatment of hypophosphatemia, which is characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood.

potassium phosphate is an essential component of the intracellular fluid, which plays a critical role in many cellular functions. potassium phosphate is rapidly absorbed and distributed in the body after administration. It is metabolized by the liver and then excreted in the urine.

The pharmacokinetics of potassium phosphate depends on the dose, route of administration, and the patient’s renal function. potassium phosphate acts by providing essential electrolytes that are necessary for various physiological processes in the body. It also helps to maintain the acid-base balance in the body.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

potassium phosphate is a source of potassium and phosphate ions. potassium is an essential mineral involved in various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and regulation of electrolyte and fluid balance. Phosphate is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, energy metabolism, and acid-base balance. 

When administered intravenously, potassium phosphate can quickly increase serum potassium and phosphate levels. The effects of oral administration are slower, with a gradual increase in serum levels. 

potassium phosphate acts as an electrolyte, maintaining osmotic balance and acid-base balance in the body. The phosphate component also participates in various enzymatic reactions, such as the formation of ATP, DNA, and RNA.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

potassium phosphate is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract to a significant extent. Instead, it dissociates into its respective ions (potassium and phosphate) in the gut and is then absorbed separately. 

Distribution 

potassium phosphate is distributed throughout the extracellular and intracellular fluid compartments, including the bone. It does not bind to plasma proteins and freely diffuses across cell membranes. 

Metabolism 

potassium phosphate is not metabolized in the body, as it is an inorganic salt. Once absorbed, it dissociates into potassium and phosphate ions, which can be used for various physiological processes in the body. The potassium and phosphate ions are distributed in the extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid and are excreted primarily in the urine. 

Elimination and excretion 

potassium phosphate is primarily excreted by the kidneys through urine. It is reabsorbed in the proximal tubules of the nephron and can be secreted into the urine by the distal tubules. The rate of excretion may be increased in patients with hyperphosphatemia. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

potassium phosphate can be administered through oral, intravenous, or intramuscular routes. 

For oral administration, it is available in tablet, capsule, or solution form. The dose depends on the individual’s age, weight, and medical condition. It is recommended to take potassium phosphate with food or immediately after eating to prevent stomach upset. 

For intravenous administration, potassium phosphate is usually given as a slow infusion to avoid adverse reactions such as hyperkalemia or hypocalcemia. The dosage and infusion rate should be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional. 

For intramuscular administration, potassium phosphate is given as an injection into a muscle. This route of administration is less common than oral or intravenous routes. 

The administration of potassium phosphate should always be supervised by a healthcare professional. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: potassium phosphate 

Pronounced: [ poe-TASS-ee-um-FOSS-fate]  

Why do we use potassium phosphate? 

potassium phosphate is a medication used to treat or prevent low levels of phosphate in the blood, which can occur due to various conditions, such as malnourishment, alcoholism, and certain kidney disorders.

It may also be used as a supplement in parenteral nutrition to support the needs of patients who cannot get enough phosphate from their diet or oral supplementation. potassium phosphate is available in different forms, including oral tablets, capsules, and solutions for injection or infusion.