Medication-induced hypophosphatemia: a review

QJM. 2010 Jul;103(7):449-59. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcq039. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Abstract

Hypophosphatemia (serum phosphorus concentration <2.5 mg/dl, 0.8 mmol/l), although rare in the general population, is commonly observed in hospitalized patients and may be associated with drug therapy. In fact, hypophosphatemia frequently develops in the course of treatment with drugs used in every-day clinical practice including diuretics and bisphosphonates. Proper diagnostic approach of patients with low serum phosphorus concentrations should involve a detailed medical history with special attention to the recent use of medications. The clinical manifestations of drug-induced hypophosphatemia are usually mild but might also be severe and potentially life-threatening. This review aims at a thorough understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors of drug therapy-related hypophosphatemia thus allowing prevention and effective intervention strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Alkalosis, Respiratory / complications
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects
  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Hypophosphatemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypophosphatemia / etiology
  • Hypophosphatemia / physiopathology
  • Phosphates / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Diphosphonates
  • Diuretics
  • Phosphates