Glycophos (Sodium Glycerophosphate Pentahydrate)

Glycophos is indicated for clinical situations that require rapid phosphate repletion via the intravenous route.

• Treatment of hypophosphatemia associated with critical illness, surgery, or prolonged fasting.
• Phosphate replacement in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Support of bone mineralization in patients with chronic phosphate deficiency.
• Adjunct therapy during renal replacement procedures where phosphate loss is anticipated.
• Management of electrolyte disturbances in intensive care settings.
• Correction of phosphate deficits prior to high‑dose chemotherapy regimens that may deplete phosphate stores.

Intravenous administration of Glycophos may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common

• Transient infusion site pain or erythema.
• Mild nausea or vomiting.
• Temporary elevation of serum calcium.
• Low‑grade fever.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Transient hypotension.

Serious

• Severe hyperphosphatemia leading to calcium‑phosphate precipitation.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to fluid overload.
• Anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions.
• Cardiac arrhythmias associated with electrolyte shifts.
• Renal dysfunction due to phosphate nephrocalcinosis.

Because Glycophos delivers a concentrated phosphate load directly into the bloodstream, several precautions should be observed before and during therapy.

• Verify baseline serum phosphate, calcium, and renal function prior to infusion.
• Adjust dose in patients with renal insufficiency or on dialysis.
• Monitor serum electrolytes (phosphate, calcium, magnesium) during and after administration.
• Avoid rapid infusion rates that may precipitate calcium‑phosphate complexes.
• Use caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to phosphate preparations.
• Consider fluid balance in individuals at risk for volume overload.
• Do not administer concurrently with calcium‑containing solutions in the same line.

Glycophos can interact with other medications or solutions that affect electrolyte balance or calcium metabolism, requiring careful coordination.

Avoid

• Simultaneous intravenous calcium gluconate or calcium chloride infusions, which may cause insoluble calcium‑phosphate precipitation.
• High‑dose vitamin D analogues that increase intestinal calcium absorption, raising risk of hypercalcemia.
• Loop diuretics that promote calcium loss, potentially worsening electrolyte shifts.

Use with caution

• Anticoagulants such as heparin, as phosphate may alter clotting parameters.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) that are nephrotoxic, especially in patients with renal impairment.
• Chemotherapeutic agents that can cause tumor lysis syndrome, increasing phosphate release.