K-Phos Original

Pronunciation: poe-TAS-ee-um FOS-fate
Generic Name: Potassium Phosphate
Brand Name: K-Phos Original

K-Phos Original is used for:

Preventing kidney stones. It is also used to increase the effectiveness of certain antibacterial medicines (methenamine mandelate and methenamine hippurate). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

K-Phos Original is a urinary acidifier. It works by increasing the amount of acid in the urine, which lowers the pH of the urine. This may reduce the growth of some bacteria in the urine and help dissolve calcium kidney stones.

Do NOT use K-Phos Original if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in K-Phos Original


• you have infected kidney stones or severe kidney problems


• you have decreased urination or are unable to urinate


• you have high levels of phosphate or potassium in the blood

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using K-Phos Original:

Some medical conditions may interact with K-Phos Original. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have low blood calcium levels or you are on a potassium-restricted diet


• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure), kidney problems, kidney or other urinary stones, certain muscle problems (eg, myotonia congenita, rhabdomyolysis), stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammation), liver problems, adrenal gland problems (eg, Addison disease), inflammation of the pancreas, or parathyroid problems


• if you are dehydrated or have rickets, softened or weakened bones, or a urinary tract infection


• if you have a condition in which your skin is breaking down (eg, severe burns)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with K-Phos Original. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), aliskiren, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene), or potassium supplements because the risk of high potassium levels, possibly with irregular heartbeat or a heart attack, may be increased


• Digoxin or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by K-Phos Original

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if K-Phos Original may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use K-Phos Original:

Use K-Phos Original as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• K-Phos Original is usually taken with meals and at bedtime. Ask your doctor when you should take K-Phos Original.


• Do not swallow K-Phos Original whole. Dissolve 2 tablets in 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 mL) of water. Allow the tablets to dissolve for 2 to 5 minutes or more, if necessary. Stir to be sure the medicine is completely dissolved. If any tablet particles do not dissolve, crush them and stir well.


• If your doctor has told you to use a different dose, ask your pharmacist how much water to use to dissolve the medicine.


• Do not take antacids that have aluminum, magnesium, or calcium with K-Phos Original without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.


• If you miss a dose of K-Phos Original, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use K-Phos Original.

Important safety information:

• K-Phos Original may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use K-Phos Original with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• While taking K-Phos Original, the possibility of passing old kidney stones is increased.


• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.


• Lab tests, including kidney function and electrolyte levels (eg, calcium, potassium, phosphorus), may be performed while you use K-Phos Original. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if K-Phos Original can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using K-Phos Original while you are pregnant. It is not known if K-Phos Original is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use K-Phos Original, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of K-Phos Original:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bone or joint pain; confusion; decreased urination; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; muscle cramps; numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet; numbness or tingling around the lips; seizures; severe or persistent diarrhea; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness; unusual weakness or heaviness of the legs.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of K-Phos Original:

Store K-Phos Original at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep K-Phos Original out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about K-Phos Original, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• K-Phos Original is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about K-Phos Original. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.