Glycophos (Sodium Glycerophosphate Pentahydrate)

Glycophos is indicated for the treatment of conditions where phosphate levels are deficient or depleted.

• Correction of hypophosphatemia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.
• Management of phosphate depletion associated with prolonged intensive care or surgery.
• Support of electrolyte balance during renal replacement therapy.
• Adjunct therapy in patients with metabolic alkalosis where phosphate repletion is required.
• Prevention of phosphate loss in patients on high‑dose diuretics.

Adverse reactions to Glycophos are generally infrequent, but they can be categorized by frequency and severity.

Common

• Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Transient nausea, occasional vomiting, or mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Temporary elevation of serum calcium without clinical symptoms.
• Light‑headedness or mild headache occurring shortly after infusion.

Serious

• Marked hyperphosphatemia that may cause calcium‑phosphate crystal deposition in tissues.
• Allergic responses ranging from urticaria and bronchospasm to full anaphylactic shock.
• Acute hypotension or cardiovascular instability during rapid infusion.
• Development of metabolic acidosis in patients with compromised renal function.

When prescribing Glycophos, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to minimize risk and ensure safe administration.

• Assess baseline serum phosphate, calcium, and renal function before initiating therapy.
• Adjust infusion rate in patients with cardiovascular instability or a history of hypotension.
• Monitor electrolyte levels frequently during treatment, especially in renal impairment.
• Use caution in individuals with known hypersensitivity to glycerophosphate preparations.
• Avoid concurrent administration with calcium‑containing solutions that may precipitate.
• Consider alternative phosphate sources in pregnant patients, as safety data are limited.

Glycophos may interact with other agents that affect electrolyte balance or renal function.

Avoid

• Simultaneous infusion of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate, which can cause precipitation.
• Co‑administration with high‑dose vitamin D analogues that increase calcium absorption.
• Concurrent use with aluminum‑containing antacids, which can bind phosphate and reduce efficacy.

Use with caution

• Concurrent use of loop or thiazide diuretics that alter phosphate excretion.
• Administration alongside nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides or contrast media.
• Combination with other phosphate supplements, which may lead to excess serum phosphate.
• Concurrent therapy with insulin, which can drive phosphate into cells and affect levels.