provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
K-Phos Coupon - K-Phos 500mg tablet

K-Phos

potassium phosphate
Used for Hypophosphatemia, Kidney Stones
Used for Hypophosphatemia, Kidney Stones

K-Phos (potassium phosphate) is a medication used for people with high urinary pH. It makes the urine more acidic. This is helpful for preventing kidney stones, as well as preventing odor and rash caused by urine that contains too much ammonia. It can also help some antibiotics work better for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 29, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is K-Phos (potassium phosphate)?

What is K-Phos (potassium phosphate) used for?

  • Lowering urinary pH

How K-Phos (potassium phosphate) works

K-Phos (potassium phosphate) is a urine acidifier. This means it makes the urine more acidic, or lowers the urinary pH. If your urine's pH is too high, it can cause calcium to build up, which can lead to [kidney stones]. High urinary pH can also cause your urine to have a strong odor or cause a rash.

K-Phos (potassium phosphate) can also help antibiotics like methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) work better to treat UTIs. This is because the antibiotic works best if the urine is acidic.

Are you looking for information on K-Phos No. 2 (potassium phosphate / sodium phosphate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsK-Phos
Drug ClassUrinary acidifier
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$44.43(save 14.81%)
GoodRx discount
$37.85
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of K-Phos (potassium phosphate)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

Other Side Effects

  • Bone and joint pain
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Bone pain

convulsions

decreased urine output

dizziness

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

joint pain

mental confusion

muscle cramps

numbness or tingling around the lips

numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of the hands or feet

shortness of breath

swelling of the feet or lower legs

troubled breathing

unusual thirst

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Some side effects 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

nausea

stomach pain

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of K-Phos (potassium phosphate)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers urine pH without raising your sodium intake

Can help lower risk of kidney stones

Can help some UTI antibiotics work better

Must be dissolved in water first, so a good option for people who have trouble swallowing

thumbs-down

Cons

Typically taken 4 times a day

Can cause diarrhea and stomach upset

Can interact with antacids

Can't be used in people with severe kidney problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for K-Phos (potassium phosphate)

pharmacist

  • Be sure to use 6 to 8 ounces of water to dissolve K-Phos (potassium phosphate) completely before taking it. This can take around 2 to 5 minutes. If any particles remain, crush them and stir the mixture well. If the tablets aren't dissolved properly, it can raise your risk of having digestive problems.

    • Don't take K-Phos (potassium phosphate) with antacids containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium. These antacids can attach to phosphate, preventing K-Phos (potassium phosphate) from being absorbed. This means you might not get the full benefit of taking K-Phos (potassium phosphate).

      • K-Phos (potassium phosphate) can cause diarrhea during the first few days of treatment. If the diarrhea becomes bothersome, you can lower your daily dosage until it goes away. But if it doesn't, you might need to stop taking the medication. Talk to your provider about any side effects you experience.

        • Since K-Phos (potassium phosphate) can affect your electrolyte levels, your provider might want to do blood tests to check your kidneys and calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels during treatment with K-Phos (potassium phosphate). If you take other potassium-containing medications or potassium-sparing diuretics with K-Phos (potassium phosphate), you're at higher risk for having high potassium levels. Talk to your provider if you have nausea, irregular heartbeat, or muscle weakness while taking K-Phos (potassium phosphate).

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about K-Phos (potassium phosphate)

          Can I take K-Phos (potassium phosphate) if I have kidney problems?
          You shouldn't take K-Phos (potassium phosphate) if your kidneys are severely damaged. Severely damaged kidneys don't work as well to get rid of potassium. Since K-Phos (potassium phosphate) contains potassium, taking this medication if you have severe kidney disease can raise your risk of potassium buildup in your body. High potassium levels can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, and more seriously, an irregular heartbeat. If you have kidney problems, talk to your provider before taking this medication to see if it's safe for you.
          Can I crush or chew K-Phos (potassium phosphate)?
          Let the tablets fully dissolve in water before taking, instead of crushing or chewing them. If there are small particles left in the solution after soaking the tablets in water, then you can crush the remaining particles to help them dissolve completely.
          Does K-Phos (potassium phosphate) contain sodium?
          No, K-Phos (potassium phosphate) doesn't contain sodium. This is helpful for people who are limiting their sodium intake to help with high blood pressure or heart problems.
          Can I take too much potassium or phosphorus?
          Yes, you can get too much potassium or phosphorus in your blood, which can lead to problems. Too much potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause problems with your heart. And too much phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) can lead to low calcium levels, which can cause problems with your bones. Your provider should check your potassium and phosphorus levels periodically during treatment with K-Phos (potassium phosphate) to make sure your electrolyte levels are within the normal range.
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for K-Phos (potassium phosphate)?

          K-Phos (potassium phosphate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Passing of old kidney stones

          • Risk factors: History of kidney stones

            Starting treatment with K-Phos (potassium phosphate) might cause you to pass old kidney stones through your urine. Small kidney stones will pass more easily, causing little to no pain. Call your provider if you think you may be passing old kidney stones, or if you experience severe pain, fever, or blood in the urine (signs that you're trying to pass a larger kidney stone).

            dosage

            K-Phos (potassium phosphate) dosage forms

            The average cost for 60 tablets of 500mg of K-Phos (potassium phosphate) is $37.85 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 14.81% off the average retail price of $44.43.
            tablet
            Tablet
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            500mg60 tablets$37.85$0.63

            Typical dosing for K-Phos (potassium phosphate)

            The typical dose is 1 gram dissolved in 6 to 8 ounces of water, taken by mouth 4 times daily (with meals and at bedtime).

            interactions

            Interactions between K-Phos (potassium phosphate) and other drugs

            K-Phos (potassium phosphate) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with K-Phos (potassium phosphate). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this dietary supplement, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

            Using this dietary supplement with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this dietary supplement or change some of the other medicines you take.

            Using this dietary supplement with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

            Using this dietary supplement with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

            • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
            • Aluminum Hydroxide
            • Aluminum Phosphate
            • Calcium Acetate
            • Calcium Carbonate
            • Calcium Citrate
            • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
            • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
            • Magaldrate
            • Magnesium Carbonate
            • Magnesium Hydroxide
            • Magnesium Oxide
            • Magnesium Trisilicate
            drug-cost

            How much does K-Phos (potassium phosphate) cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            K-Phos (brand)
            GoodRx lowest price

            $37.85

            (save 14.81%)
            View prices & coupons
            contraindications-icon

            K-Phos (potassium phosphate) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because K-Phos (potassium phosphate) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Infected phosphate stones

            • Severely damaged kidneys

            • High blood phosphate or potassium levels

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to K-Phos (potassium phosphate)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of K-Phos (potassium phosphate). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            K-Phos (potassium phosphate)
            Used for:

            • Lowering urinary pH

            $37.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Potassium phosphate/sodium phosphate
            Used for:
            $12.88 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            images

            K-Phos (potassium phosphate) images

            White Round Beach 1111 - K-PHOS 500mg Tablet
            This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Beach 1111".White Round Beach 1111 - K-PHOS 500mg Tablet

            Get savings updates for K-Phos (potassium phosphate)

            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about K-Phos (potassium phosphate) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

            By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

            Browse medications

            View All

            Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.