Potassium Phosphate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 20, 2024.

Applies to potassium phosphate: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of potassium phosphate

Along with its needed effects, potassium phosphate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking potassium phosphate:

Incidence not known

• blood in the urine
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• changes in skin color
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• decreased or increased urination
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• nausea
• nervousness
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• seizures
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness and heaviness of the legs

Other side effects of potassium phosphate

Some side effects of potassium phosphate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• diarrhea
• stomach pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to potassium phosphate: intravenous solution, oral powder for reconstitution.

Metabolic adverse events

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fluid retention, hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, extraskeletal calcification as nephrocalcinosis (children with hypophosphatemic rickets treated with phosphate supplements)
• Frequency not reported: Potassium intoxication^[Ref]

Fluid retention was indicated by swelling feet or lower legs, or weight gain).

Hyperkalemia led to confusion, tiredness or weakness, irregular or slow heart rate, numbness or tingling around lips, hands or feet, unexplained anxiety, weakness or heaviness of legs, shortness of breath/trouble breathing.

Hypernatremia led to confusion, tiredness/weakness, convulsions, oliguria or decreased frequency of micturition, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, or increased thirst.

Hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, or hypomagnesemia have led to convulsions, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands or feet, shortness of breath or troubled breathing, and tremor.

Potassium intoxication signs include paresthesias of the extremities, flaccid paralysis, listlessness, mental confusion, weakness and heaviness of the legs, fall in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias and heart block.

Hyperkalemia may cause electrocardiogram abnormalities (disappearance of the P-wave, widening and slurring of QRS complex, changes of the S-T segment, tall-peaked T-waves), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myocardial infarction^[Ref]

Renal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Further information

Potassium phosphate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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