Hypophosphatemia in Emergency Medicine Medication
- Author: Devon J Moore, MD; Chief Editor: Erik D Schraga, MD more...
Medication Summary
Treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the condition.
Electrolyte supplements
Class Summary
These agents are used to increase serum phosphorus to normal physiologic levels.
Potassium phosphate/sodium acid phosphate
IV preparations are available as sodium phosphate (Na2 HPO4 and NAH2 PO4) or potassium phosphate (K2 HPO4 and KH2 PO4).
Response to IV phosphorus supplementation varies widely and may be associated with hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia. Rate of infusion and choice of initial dosage should be based on severity of hypophosphatemia and presence of symptoms.
When treating hypophosphatemia with potassium phosphate, potassium level may limit amount of phosphate that can be given safely.
One Canadian group recently reported administering 30 mmol of potassium phosphate via central line over 3 h for severe hypophosphatemia and 15 mmol of potassium phosphate via central line over 3 h for moderate hypophosphatemia.
Another study reported safely administering IV phosphate at a rate of 14.5 mmol of phosphate ions over 1 h.
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