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Drugs A–Z

Potassium Phosphates

Potassium Phosphates is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Taken
Intravenous
Label
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, revised April 15, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
No · details

What it is used for

Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated as a source of phosphorus to correct hypophosphatemia in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 40 kg or greater when oral or enteral replacement is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is a phosphorus replacement product indicated as a source of phosphorus to correct hypophosphatemia in adults and pediatric patients who weigh 40 kg or greater when oral or enteral replacement is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

Injection:

  • phosphorus 15 mmol/100 mL (0.15 mmol/mL) and potassium 22 mEq/100 mL (0.22 mEq/mL) in a clear, colorless solution in a ready-to-use, single-dose container.
  • phosphorus 15 mmol/250 mL (0.06 mmol/mL) and potassium 22 mEq/250 mL (0.088 mEq/mL) in a clear, colorless solution in a ready-to-use, single-dose container. Injection:
  • phosphorus 15 mmol/100 mL (0.15 mmol/mL) and potassium 22 mEq/100 mL (0.22 mEq/mL) in a single-dose container. Ready-to-use. ( 3 )
  • phosphorus 15 mmol/250 mL (0.06 mmol/mL) and potassium 22 mEq/250 mL (0.088 mEq/mL) in a single-dose container. Ready-to-use. ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with:

  • hyperkalemia [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • hyperphosphatemia [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • hypercalcemia or significant hypocalcemia [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • hyperkalemia ( 4 )
  • hyperphosphatemia ( 4 )
  • hypercalcemia or significant hypocalcemia ( 4 )
  • severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

  • Serious Cardiac Adverse Reactions with Bolus, or Rapid Intravenous Administration : Do not exceed the recommended infusion rate. Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring may be needed during infusion. ( 2.3 , 5.1 )
  • Hyperkalemia : Increased risk in patients with renal impairment, severe adrenal insufficiency, or treated with drugs that increase potassium. Patients with cardiac disease may be more susceptible. Do not exceed the maximum daily amount of potassium or the recommended infusion rate. Continuous ECG monitoring may be needed during infusion. ( 5.2 , 7.1 )
  • Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates : If signs of pulmonary distress occur, stop the infusion and initiate a medical evaluation. ( 5.3 )
  • Hyperphosphatemia and Hypocalcemia : Monitor serum phosphorus and calcium concentrations during and following infusion. ( 5.4 )
  • Hypomagnesemia : Reported in patients with hypercalcemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor serum magnesium concentrations during treatment. ( 5.5 )
  • Vein Damage and Thrombosis : Infuse hypertonic solutions through a central catheter. ( 2.1 , 5.6 )

5.1 Serious Cardiac Adverse Reactions with Bolus or Rapid Intravenous Administration Intravenous administration of potassium phosphates to correct hypophosphatemia in single-doses of phosphorus 50 mmol and greater and/or at rapid infusion rates (over 1 to 3 hours) has resulted in death, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia (including QT prolongation), hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and seizures [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is recommended for infusion rates higher than potassium 10 mEq/hour [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 )] .

5.2 Hyperkalemia Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, including life-threatening cardiac events, especially when administered in excessive doses or by rapid intravenous infusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Patients with renal impairment and are at increased risk of developing life-threatening hyperkalemia, when administered intravenous potassium. Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) and dosage adjustment is required for patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] . Other patients at increased risk of hyperkalemia include those with severe adrenal insufficiency or treated concurrently with other drugs that cause or increase the risk of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Patients with cardiac disease may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of hyperkalemia. Consider the amount of potassium from all sources when determining the dose of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection and do not exceed the maximum age-appropriate recommended daily amount of potassium. When administering Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection to correct hypophosphatemia, check the serum potassium concentration prior to administration [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is recommended for infusion rates higher than 10 mEq/hour [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .

5.3 Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates Pulmonary vascular emboli and pulmonary distress related to precipitates in the pulmonary vasculature have been described in patients receiving admixed products containing calcium and phosphate or parenteral nutrition. The cause of precipitate formation has not been determined in all cases; however, in some fatal cases, pulmonary emboli occurred as a result of calcium phosphate precipitates. Precipitation has occurred following passage through an in-line filter; in vivo precipitate formation may also have occurred. If signs of pulmonary distress occur, stop the infusion and initiate a medical evaluation. In addition to inspection of the solution, the infusion set and catheter should also be checked periodically for precipitates. [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )].

5.4 Hyperphosphatemia and Hypocalcemia Hyperphosphatemia can occur with intravenous administration of potassium phosphates, especially in patients with renal impairment [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Hyperphosphatemia can cause the formation of insoluble calcium phosphorus products with consequent hypocalcemia, neurological irritability with tetany, nephrocalcinosis with acute kidney injury, and more rarely, cardiac irritability with arrhythmias. Obtain serum calcium concentrations prior to administration and normalize the calcium before administering Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection. Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with hyperphosphatemia and/or hypercalcemia [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Monitor serum phosphorus and calcium concentrations during treatment with Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .

5.5 Hypomagnesemia Intravenous infusion of phosphate has been reported to cause a decrease in serum magnesium (and calcium) concentrations when administered to patients with hypercalcemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor serum magnesium concentrations during treatment.

5.6 Vein Damage and Thrombosis The infusion of hypertonic solutions into a peripheral vein may result in vein irritation, vein damage, and/or thrombosis. The primary complication of peripheral administration is venous thrombophlebitis, which manifests as pain, erythema, tenderness or a palpable cord. Remove the catheter as soon as possible and initiate appropriate medical treatment if thrombophlebitis develops. When administered peripherally to correct hypophosphatemia, a generally recommended maximum concentration is phosphorus 6.8 mmol/100 mL (potassium 10 mEq/100 mL) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )].

5.7 Laboratory Monitoring Monitor serum phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations during treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Serious Cardiac Adverse Reactions with Bolus or Rapid Intravenous Administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • Pulmonary Embolism due to Pulmonary Vascular Precipitates [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
  • Hyperphosphatemia and Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • Hypomagnesemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
  • Vein Damage and Thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical studies or post-marketing reports in patients receiving intravenously administered potassium phosphates. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypovolemia, osmotic diuresis, pulmonary embolism Cardiac Disorders: arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, chest pain, ECG changes, edema, heart block, hypotension Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: dyspnea Renal and Urinary Disorders: acute phosphate nephropathy (i.e., nephrocalcinosis with acute kidney injury), decreased urine output, transition to chronic kidney disease Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, stomach pain Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: weakness Nervous System Disorders: confusion, lethargy, paralysis, paresthesia Adverse reactions include hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Drug interactions

Use of Other Medications that Increase Potassium : Avoid use in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, closely monitor serum potassium concentrations. ( 5.2 , 7.1 )

7.1 Other Products that Increase Serum Potassium Administration of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection to patients treated concurrently or recently with products that increase serum potassium (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, digoxin, or the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine) increases the risk of severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, especially in the presence of other risk factors for hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Avoid use of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, closely monitor serum potassium concentrations [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Administration of the recommended dose of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Consider intravenous potassium phosphate replacement if correction of hypophosphatemia via the enteral route is not possible (see Clinical Considerations ). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk Phosphorus is an essential mineral element. Intravenous replacement with potassium phosphate should be considered if a pregnant woman requires intravenous replacement to correct hypophosphatemia when the enteral route is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Phosphorus and potassium are present in human milk. Administration of the recommended dose of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. There is no information on the effects of potassium phosphates on milk production. The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection have been established in pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more as a source of phosphorus to correct hypophosphatemia when oral or enteral replacement is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. This Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection product is not approved for use in pediatric patients who weigh less than 40 kg because they would require only a fraction of the ready-to-use container [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )].

8.5 Geriatric Use In general, dose selection of Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection for an elderly patient should be cautious, starting at the low end of the dosing range because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. It may be useful to monitor renal function during treatment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] .

8.6 Renal Impairment Potassium and phosphorus are known to be substantially excreted by the kidney and the risk of adverse reactions to Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection may be greater in patients with impaired renal function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.4 )] . Potassium Phosphates in Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) due to the risk of hyperkalemia [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . In patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), start at the low end of the dosage range and monitor serum potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium concentrations [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] .

How it works

Phosphorus in the form of organic and inorganic phosphate has a variety of biochemical functions in all organs and tissues, including critical roles in nucleic acid structure, energy storage and transfer, cell signaling, cell membrane composition and structure, acid-base balance, mineral homeostasis, and bone mineralization.

Is there a generic Potassium Phosphates?

No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 357c3020-ea6f-4401-a2e7-cebb82b03144.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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