Hypophosphatemia is a low level of
Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The following may cause hypophosphatemia, including:
- Certain medicines including acetazolamide, foscarnet, imatinib, pentamidine,and sorafenib
- Fanconi syndrome
- Too little vitamin D
- Overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
Signs and tests
The doctor or nurse will examine you.
The following tests may be done:
- Kidney function tests
- Vitamin K blood test
Exam and testing may show:
- Anemia due to too many red blood cells being destroyed (
- Heart muscle damage (
Treatment depends on the cause.Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein (IV).
How well you do depends on what iscausing the condition.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.
Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 121.
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.