K-Phos Neutral Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication with meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow your medication with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Ensure that all medications are kept in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take this medication with food or immediately after meals to help prevent stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor, especially if you are taking this for kidney stones.
- Avoid antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium within 2 hours of taking this medication, as they can prevent it from working properly.
- Follow any dietary recommendations from your doctor, especially regarding potassium, sodium, or phosphate intake.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ 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
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain, cramps, or spasms
+ Weakness
+ Shakiness
+ Change in balance
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Seizures
+ Loss of appetite
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
A fast heartbeat
Severe headache
Seizures
Dizziness or fainting
Abnormal sensations, such as burning, numbness, or tingling
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Bone or joint pain
Feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs
Decreased urine production
Unusual thirst
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
* Vomiting
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe muscle weakness or paralysis
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Numbness or tingling around the mouth, fingers, or toes
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Seizures
- Confusion or unusual tiredness
- Significant swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Kidney disease
+ High phosphate levels
+ Infected phosphate stones
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems and medications with your doctor.
To ensure your safety, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have
It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If you are currently using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or any potassium product, consult with your doctor to discuss potential interactions. Additionally, if you have a history of kidney stones, you may experience the passage of old stones when initiating this medication; therefore, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.
To avoid potential interactions, do not take antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium while taking this drug. It is also important to notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, tetany, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, ectopic calcification.
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels): Muscle weakness, fatigue, paresthesias, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., peaked T waves, widened QRS on ECG), cardiac arrest.
- Hypernatremia (high sodium levels): Thirst, dry mucous membranes, restlessness, irritability, confusion, seizures, coma.
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels): Muscle cramps, spasms, tetany, paresthesias, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias.
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment involves discontinuing the medication, administering calcium gluconate for hypocalcemia, insulin/glucose or sodium bicarbonate for hyperkalemia, and potentially dialysis in severe cases of electrolyte imbalance or renal failure.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Aluminum-containing antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide): May bind phosphate and prevent absorption.
- Magnesium-containing antacids/laxatives (e.g., magnesium hydroxide): May increase risk of hypermagnesemia and reduce phosphate absorption.
- Calcium-containing antacids/supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate): May bind phosphate and prevent absorption, increasing risk of ectopic calcification.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene): Increased risk of severe hyperkalemia.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- NSAIDs: May increase risk of hyperkalemia.
- Digitalis glycosides (e.g., digoxin): Hyperkalemia can exacerbate digoxin toxicity.
Major Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics: May cause hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, potentially counteracting phosphate supplementation.
- Corticosteroids: May increase renal phosphate excretion, potentially requiring higher phosphate doses.
- Bisphosphonates: Concurrent use may alter mineral metabolism; monitor closely.
- Vitamin D analogs: May increase phosphate absorption; monitor for hyperphosphatemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Other potassium-containing medications or supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Sodium-containing medications or supplements: Increased risk of hypernatremia, especially in patients with compromised renal function or heart failure.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline levels and guide initial dosing for hypophosphatemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline calcium status, as phosphate administration can lower calcium.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline potassium status, as the product contains potassium.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline sodium status, as the product contains sodium.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess kidney function, which is critical for phosphate and electrolyte excretion.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: If used for urinary acidification, to establish baseline and guide therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily initially, then 2-3 times weekly, or as clinically indicated.
Target: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL (adults)
Action Threshold: Below 2.5 mg/dL (consider dose increase); Above 4.5 mg/dL (consider dose decrease/hold); Above 6.0 mg/dL (urgent intervention for hyperphosphatemia).
Frequency: Daily initially, then 2-3 times weekly, or as clinically indicated.
Target: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL (total calcium)
Action Threshold: Below 8.5 mg/dL (consider calcium supplementation); Below 7.0 mg/dL (urgent intervention for hypocalcemia).
Frequency: Daily initially, then 2-3 times weekly, or as clinically indicated.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Above 5.0 mEq/L (consider dose decrease/hold); Above 6.0 mEq/L (urgent intervention for hyperkalemia).
Frequency: Daily initially, then 2-3 times weekly, or as clinically indicated.
Target: 135-145 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Above 145 mEq/L (consider dose decrease/hold); Above 150 mEq/L (urgent intervention for hypernatremia).
Frequency: Weekly or as clinically indicated, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Target: Within normal limits for age/sex
Action Threshold: Significant increase in BUN/Creatinine (re-evaluate dosing, consider discontinuation).
Frequency: Daily or several times weekly, if used for urinary acidification.
Target: 5.5-6.0 (for stone prevention)
Action Threshold: Above 6.5 (consider dose increase); Below 5.0 (consider dose decrease).
Symptom Monitoring
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Numbness or tingling (paresthesias)
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Tetany
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Edema (swelling)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use with caution. While phosphate, potassium, and sodium are essential electrolytes, excessive intake or electrolyte imbalances can be harmful. Administer only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh risks. Close monitoring of maternal electrolyte levels is recommended.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Use with caution. Phosphate, potassium, and sodium are naturally present in breast milk. While essential, excessive maternal intake could theoretically alter breast milk composition and lead to infant electrolyte imbalances. Monitor infant for signs of electrolyte disturbance (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, lethargy). Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when used at therapeutic doses with appropriate monitoring.
Pediatric Use
Dosing must be carefully individualized based on weight, age, and specific electrolyte needs. Children, especially infants, are more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances (hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia) due to their smaller body size and immature renal function. Close monitoring of serum electrolytes and renal function is essential.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are more likely to have impaired renal function, which increases the risk of hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia. Initiate therapy with lower doses and monitor serum electrolytes and renal function frequently. They may also be on multiple medications that interact with electrolytes.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always take K-Phos Neutral with food or immediately after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, diarrhea).
- Strict adherence to prescribed dosing and monitoring of serum electrolytes (phosphate, calcium, potassium, sodium) and renal function is crucial to prevent serious complications like hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia.
- Patients with pre-existing renal impairment are at significantly higher risk for electrolyte abnormalities and should use this medication with extreme caution or avoid it.
- If used for urinary acidification, regular monitoring of urine pH is necessary to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent over-acidification.
- Educate patients to avoid concurrent use of antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, as these can bind phosphate and reduce its absorption.
Alternative Therapies
- Potassium Phosphate (e.g., K-Phos Original, K-Phos M.F.) - primarily potassium and phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate (e.g., K-Phos No. 2) - primarily sodium and phosphate
- Oral phosphate supplements (e.g., Fleet Phospho-Soda - generally not recommended for hypophosphatemia due to high sodium/phosphate load and risk of acute phosphate nephropathy)
- Intravenous phosphate (for severe hypophosphatemia)
- Other urinary acidifiers (e.g., Ammonium Chloride, Methionine, Ascorbic Acid - for specific indications)