K-Phos Neutral Tablets

Manufacturer BEACH Active Ingredient Potassium Phosphate and Sodium Phosphate Tablets(poe TASS ee um FOS fate & SOW dee um FOS fate) Pronunciation poe TASS ee um FOS fate & SOW dee um FOS fate
It is used to treat or prevent low phosphate levels.It is used to lower the urine's pH.
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Drug Class
Electrolyte Replacement; Urinary Acidifier
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Pharmacologic Class
Phosphate Supplement; Electrolyte
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

K-Phos Neutral is a medication that provides your body with important minerals called phosphate, potassium, and sodium. It's often used to help people who don't have enough phosphate in their blood, or to make urine more acidic to prevent certain kidney stones.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

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.
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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.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 1 to 2 tablets, four times daily with food or after meals. Each tablet contains 250 mg (8 mmol) of phosphorus, 4.2 mEq of potassium, and 13 mEq of sodium.
Dose Range: 1 - 8 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

hypophosphatemia: Dose adjusted based on serum phosphate levels and patient needs.
urinaryacidification: Dose adjusted to maintain desired urine pH (typically 5.5-6.0).
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Dosing must be carefully individualized based on weight, serum phosphate levels, and renal function. Consult pediatric nephrologist or formulary.
Adolescent: Dosing must be carefully individualized based on weight, serum phosphate levels, and renal function. Consult pediatric nephrologist or formulary.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor serum phosphate, potassium, and sodium closely.
Moderate: Significant dose reduction required; monitor serum phosphate, potassium, and sodium closely. Risk of hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia.
Severe: Contraindicated due to high risk of hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia.
Dialysis: Contraindicated in most cases; phosphate supplementation is typically managed by dialysis and dietary restrictions. If needed, very small, carefully monitored doses may be considered under specialist supervision.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate: No specific adjustment needed.
Severe: No specific adjustment needed.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

K-Phos Neutral provides phosphate, potassium, and sodium ions. Phosphate is an essential intracellular anion involved in numerous physiological processes, including energy metabolism (ATP), bone mineralization, and cell membrane structure. It also acts as a urinary acidifier by increasing the excretion of hydrogen ions, which helps prevent the formation of calcium-containing renal stones and can be used in the management of certain urinary tract infections. Potassium and sodium contribute to maintaining electrolyte balance.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Approximately 60-70% of oral phosphate is absorbed.
Tmax: 1-6 hours (variable)
FoodEffect: Food may decrease the rate but not the extent of absorption; taking with food can reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Distribution:

Vd: Not applicable for inorganic ions; distributed throughout total body water, with approximately 85% of total body phosphate found in bone.
ProteinBinding: Minimal (inorganic ions)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Variable; depends on renal function and phosphate load. Normal renal function: 2-6 hours.
Clearance: Primarily renal; glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption.
ExcretionRoute: Renal (urine)
Unchanged: Nearly 100%
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within hours for electrolyte effects; urinary acidification effects may be seen within 1-2 days.
PeakEffect: Variable, depends on dose and individual renal function.
DurationOfAction: Variable, depends on renal function and ongoing intake; typically 4-6 hours per dose for electrolyte effects.
Confidence: Medium

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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.
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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
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations should be performed as directed by your doctor to monitor your condition.

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.
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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

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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.
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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.
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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

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Baseline Monitoring

Serum Phosphate

Rationale: To establish baseline levels and guide initial dosing for hypophosphatemia.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Serum Calcium

Rationale: To assess baseline calcium status, as phosphate administration can lower calcium.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Serum Potassium

Rationale: To assess baseline potassium status, as the product contains potassium.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Serum Sodium

Rationale: To assess baseline sodium status, as the product contains sodium.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR)

Rationale: To assess kidney function, which is critical for phosphate and electrolyte excretion.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Urine pH

Rationale: If used for urinary acidification, to establish baseline and guide therapy.

Timing: Prior to initiation

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Routine Monitoring

Serum Phosphate

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).

Serum Calcium

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).

Serum Potassium

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).

Serum Sodium

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).

Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)

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).

Urine pH

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).

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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

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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:

First Trimester: No specific data on teratogenicity; essential electrolytes are generally not considered teratogenic.
Second Trimester: Risk of electrolyte imbalance if not monitored.
Third Trimester: Risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly hyperkalemia or hypernatremia, which could affect fetal cardiac function or fluid balance.
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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.

Infant Risk: Low to moderate risk of electrolyte imbalance if maternal dose is high or infant has compromised renal function.
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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.

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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

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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.
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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)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $30 - $60 per 100 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or 3 (often covered by most plans)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.