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Glycophos® Clinical Calculator & Guide
Drug Information Center · Agouza Hospital
Glycophos® Clinical Suite
Sodium Glycerophosphate 216 mg/mL Concentrate · Fresenius Kabi
Interactive Calculator & Physician Guide  ·  v1.0  ·  2026
📌 Key Conversion  ·  1 mL Glycophos = 1 mmol PO₄³⁻ = 2 mmol Na⁺  ·  1 vial (20 mL) = 20 mmol PO₄ = 40 mmol Na⁺
Vial Composition — 20 mL
ComponentAmount
Sodium glycerophosphate pentahydrate4.32 g
Phosphate (PO₄³⁻)20 mmol
Sodium (Na⁺)40 mmol
pH≈ 7.4
Osmolality≈ 2,760 mOsm/kg
Indications
Parenteral Nutrition — Phosphate supplementation in PN admixtures
Hypophosphatemia — IV treatment when oral/enteral route is unavailable
Refeeding Syndrome — Prophylaxis of phosphate depletion on nutrition initiation
PN Maintenance Doses
Patient GroupPO₄ DoseGlycophos
Adults10–20 mmol/day10–20 mL/day
Children (>1 yr)0.5–1.0 mmol/kg/day0.5–1.0 mL/kg/day
Infants (≤1 yr)1.0–2.0 mmol/kg/day1.0–2.0 mL/kg/day
Pediatric ranges per ESPEN guidance; follow institutional PN protocol.
Severity Classification
SeveritySerum PO₄IV DoseDuration
Mild0.6–0.8 mmol/L0.1–0.15 mmol/kg4–6 h
Moderate0.3–0.6 mmol/L0.2–0.25 mmol/kg4–6 h
Severe<0.3 mmol/L0.4–0.5 mmol/kg6–12 h
⚠ Note: Weight-based dosing is not universally standardized. Many centers use fixed-dose protocols (20–40 mmol/day). Always follow institutional guidelines.
Calculation Mode
Calculate the daily phosphate requirement for inclusion in a parenteral nutrition admixture.
Glycophos must always be diluted before administration. Never infuse undiluted.
Compatible Diluents
  • Sodium Chloride 0.9%
  • Glucose 5%
  • PN admixtures (validated Ca²⁺–PO₄³⁻ ratio)
Infusion Rate Limits
SettingDurationMax Rate
PN (maintenance)12–24 hWith PN bag
Mild–moderate (10–20 mmol)4–6 h≤ 7.5 mmol/hr
Severe (>20 mmol)6–12 h
❌ Prohibited routes:  IV bolus  ·  Intramuscular  ·  Subcutaneous  |  Risk of hypocalcemia, arrhythmia, hypotension, metastatic calcification.
Calcium Compatibility
Avoid direct mixing with calcium-containing solutions outside of PN admixtures. Within PN, Glycophos (organic phosphate) offers superior calcium compatibility compared to inorganic phosphate salts (e.g., potassium dihydrogen phosphate), significantly reducing precipitation risk. Always use validated Ca²⁺–PO₄³⁻ compatibility charts for PN preparation.
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Laboratory Parameters
  • Serum PhosphateTherapeutic endpoint; guides repeat dosing
    Before → 2–4 h post → Daily
  • Serum CalciumInverse homeostatic relationship with PO₄
    With each PO₄ check
  • Serum MagnesiumHypomagnesemia impairs PO₄ repletion; correct if low
    Baseline; correct if low
  • Renal Function (eGFR / SCr)Risk of phosphate accumulation in renal impairment
    Before & during therapy
Clinical Parameters
  • Fluid & Sodium Balance40 mmol Na⁺ per vial — account in sodium-restricted patients
    Daily (high-risk patients)
  • ECGHypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia can cause arrhythmias
    Severe / cardiac risk
  • IV Site (Peripheral)Monitor for phlebitis; use well-diluted solutions
    Each nursing assessment
  • Hemodynamic StatusCorrect dehydration/shock before initiating infusion
    Before administration
Refeeding Syndrome: Begin phosphate monitoring and prophylactic supplementation before initiating PN or enteral feeding in at-risk patients (prolonged starvation, severe malnutrition, chronic alcohol use). Maintain close surveillance through the first 72 hours.
Contraindications & Cautions
HyperphosphatemiaAbsolute contraindication — do not use under any circumstance
Contraindicated
Severe Renal Impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min)Reduce dose; increase frequency of phosphate and calcium monitoring
Caution
HypercalcemiaElevated Ca²⁺ × PO₄³⁻ ion product → metastatic calcification risk
Caution
HypoparathyroidismImpaired calcium regulation amplifies calcification risk
Caution
Dehydration / Hemodynamic Instability / ShockCorrect fluid status and hemodynamics before initiating infusion
Caution
Hypernatremia / Sodium Overload StatesEach 20 mL vial = 40 mmol Na⁺ (≈ 0.93 g); factor into daily sodium balance
Caution
Storage & Preparation
Unopened vialBelow 25°C; do not freeze
Diluted solutionUse immediately; if prepared in advance, store at 2–8°C and use within 24 hours
Visual inspectionDiscard if particulate matter or discoloration present
Clinical Pearls
Refeeding Syndrome

Initiate phosphate supplementation prophylactically before PN in at-risk patients. Phosphate depletion can be precipitous. Monitor closely for the first 72 hours of nutrition initiation.

Refractory Hypophosphatemia

If PO₄ fails to correct despite adequate IV replacement, check serum magnesium. Hypomagnesemia impairs intracellular phosphate uptake and is a common reversible cause of refractoriness.

Organic vs. Inorganic Phosphate

Glycophos (organic phosphate) has significantly superior calcium compatibility in PN admixtures compared to inorganic phosphate salts, reducing precipitation risk at standard PN concentrations.

Sodium Load Awareness

A 40 mmol replacement dose (2 vials) contributes 80 mmol Na⁺ ≈ 1.86 g sodium. In sodium-restricted, edematous, or hypernatremic patients, always account for this in the daily fluid plan.

Calcium–Phosphate Product

Monitoring Ca × PO₄ product (target < 4.4 mmol²/L²) helps prevent metastatic calcification, particularly in patients with renal impairment or prolonged high-dose supplementation.