Phosphate

What are phosphate supplements?

Phosphate supplements increase the phosphate level in your blood. There are two main forms:

• Phosphate Novartis
• sodium phosphate.

Phosphate Novartis is a large white effervescent tablet.

Sodium phosphate is a clear liquid.

Phosphate is also known as sodium phosphate liquid or Phoslax.

Before giving phosphate supplements to your child

Tell your doctor or talk your doctor or pharmacist if your child has:

• an allergy to phosphate
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease or any other condition that causes an obstruction (blockage) in their bowel.

How should you give your child phosphate supplements?

Give this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems better.

Phosphate Novartis (tablets)

• Drop the tablet(s) into at least half a glass of water.
• Wait for the fizzing to stop and then give your child the mixture to drink.
• When your child has finished the mixture, add more water and swirl it around the glass to catch any phosphate that may be left on the bottom. Have your child drink the remainder.

Sodium phosphate (liquid)

• Measure your child's dose in the syringe that is provided.
• Dilute the dose with an equal amount of water or have your child drink it quickly and follow it with a drink of water or juice.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of phosphate supplements?

• Your child can take the missed dose as soon as you or they remember it.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, your child can skip the missed dose. They can take the next dose at the regular time.
• Your child should never take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of phosphate supplements?

Your child may have some side effects while they take phosphate supplements. Check with your child's doctor if the following side effects do not go away or if they bother your child:

• stomach upset (cramping, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting)
• dizziness
• headache.

Phosphate supplements can sometimes cause more serious side effects. Most of these are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem.

Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the nearest Emergency Department if they have any of these side effects:

• severe skin rash or hives (raised, red itchy areas on the skin)
• trouble breathing, such as wheezing or shortness of breath
• swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• severe vomiting or watery diarrhea
• severe dizziness.

What safety measures should you take when your child is using phosphate supplements?

Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal or natural products).

Phosphate supplements can interfere with how the body absorbs some other medicines. Because of this, your child should take them at least two hours before or after antacids and calcium, magnesium or iron supplements.

Some of the side effects listed above are caused by high levels of phosphate or sodium or low levels of calcium in your child's blood. Your child will be checked now and then to make sure these levels are in a safe range.

Keep phosphate out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much phosphate, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.