Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Phosphate

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
Phosphate oral solution
Classification: 
Mineral
Original Date: 
June 1996
Revised Date: 
February 2014
Indications: 
  • Treatment/Prevention of Metabolic Bone Disease, Osteopenia of Prematurity, Rickets of Prematurity
Administration: 
  • PO:
    • Phosphate and calcium must not be given at the same time as they may precipitate.  In practice, should be given at alternate feeds
Dosage: 
  • 10 - 50 mg/kg/day divided Q 6-12H
  • Initiate at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day (divided Q12H) to minimize side effects

**Doses are expressed in Phosphorus

Side Effects: 
  • Diarrhea
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Serum phosphate, calcium, alkaline phosphatase
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
  • 1 mg phosphorus = 0.032 mmol phosphorus
References: 

Abrams SA.  Management of neonatal bone health. In: UpToDate, Basow, DS (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2014

  • Abrams SA, Committee on Nutrition. Calcium and vitamin D requirements of enterally fed preterm infants. Pediatrics 2013; 131: e1676
  • Rigo J, Pieltain C, Salle B, Senterre J. Enteral calcium, phosphate and vitamin D requirements and bone mineralization in preterm infants. Acta Paediatr 2007; 96-969

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