Examples
| orthophosphate |
K-Phos, Neutra-Phos |
How It Works
Orthophosphate reduces the amount of
calcium in the urine. High levels of calcium in the
urine can cause calcium
kidney stones.
Why It Is Used
Orthophosphate may be used to treat kidney stones:
- Caused by high levels of calcium in the
urine.
- Caused by low levels of phosphate in the urine (renal
phosphate leak).
- For which the specific cause cannot be
found.
How Well It Works
Some studies show that orthophosphate prevents kidney stones. Other
studies have shown no benefit from treatment with orthophosphate. No controlled
trials have been done.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call
911
or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
- Seizures.
- Signs of dehydration.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Take this medicine with food to help prevent nausea and diarrhea.
Make sure you get enough water when taking this medicine. Try to drink enough water to keep your urine light yellow or clear like water (about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day).
This medicine contains potassium and sodium. If you are on a diet that restricts potassium or sodium, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Spector DA (2007). Urinary stones. In NH Fiebach et
al., eds., Principles of Ambulatory Medicine, 7th ed.,
pp. 754–766. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology |
|
Last Revised
|
May 14, 2012 |