potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate

Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium while taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, except under the supervision of your doctor. Antacids may decrease phosphate absorption.

If you have kidney stones, there is a possibility that you will pass old stones after starting treatment with potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring substance that is important in every cell in the body. The majority of phosphorus in the body is found in the bones. The potassium and sodium salt forms of phosphorus are called phosphates.

Potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate is used to acidify the urine and lower the urinary calcium concentration. This may reduce rash and odor caused by ammonium in the urine. Potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate may also increase the antibiotic effect of methenamine (Hiprex, Urex). Potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate is also used as a phosphorus supplement to prevent and/or treat a phosphorus deficiency.

Potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

You cannot take potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate if you have

• high levels of potassium in your body,
• high levels of phosphorus in your body,
• infected phosphate stones, or
• severe kidney disease.

Before taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, tell your doctor if you have

• Addison's disease,
• a bowel obstruction,
• heart disease,
• high blood pressure,
• kidney disease,
• liver disease or cirrhosis,
• swelling or water retention,
• high levels of sodium in your body,
• low levels of calcium in your body,
• hypoparathyroidism,
• pancreatitis, or
• rickets.

You may not be able to take potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate will harm a nursing infant. Do not take potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding baby.

Take potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each tablet with a full glass of water.

The K-Phos Original tablets should be dissolved in 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 mL) of water. Let the tablets soak for 2 to 5 minutes, or more if necessary, and stir. If tablet particles remain, they can be crushed and stirred to speed dissolution. Drink the solution once the tablets are completely dissolved.

Do not swallow the Neutra-Phos capsules whole. They must be opened, and the contents mixed with water. Mix the Neutra-Phos powder and capsule contents with 75 mL (approximately one-third cup) of water, and drink the solution.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms are not being treated, notify your doctor.

Store potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Most commonly, symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and severe and prolonged muscle cramps or paralysis.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium while taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, except under the supervision of your doctor. Antacids may decrease phosphate absorption.

Stop taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may also to occur. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea are among the most common. These side effects usually lessen after a few days of therapy. Notify your doctor if you develop these side effects.

If you have kidney stones, there is a possibility that you will pass old stones after starting treatment with potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate.

Less commonly, the following side effects have been reported:

• headache;
• dizziness or confusion;
• weakness or heaviness of the legs;
• diarrhea;
• seizures;
• unusual tiredness or weakness;
• muscle cramps;
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of the hands or feet;
• swelling of the feet or lower legs;
• unusual weight gain;
• increased thirst;
• decreased urine; or
• bone or joint pain.

Notify your doctor if you develop any of the side effects listed above.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium while taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, except under the supervision of your doctor. Antacids may decrease phosphate absorption.

Before taking potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines

• calcium and/or vitamin D supplements;
• potassium supplements or salt substitutes;
• a diuretic (water pill) such as triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
• a heart medication such as guanethidine (Ismelin), diazoxide (Hyperstat, Proglycem), hydralazine (Apresoline), methyldopa (Aldomet), or reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es); or
• a steroid medicine such as corticotropin (ACTH, Acthar), cortisone (Cortone), hydrocortisone (Cortef, others), prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone, others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, Delta-Cortef, others), methylprednisolone (Medrol, others), triamcinolone (Aristocort, Kenalog, Tri-Kort, Trilog, others), dexamethasone (Decadron), or betamethasone (Celestone).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Your pharmacist has more information about potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate written for health professionals that you may read.