The correct unit for prescribing IV potassium phosphate is millimoles (mmol) of phosphate. This standardization ensures safe, accurate dosing and avoids confusion with milligrams (mg), milliequivalents (mEq), or milliliters (mL), which can appear on product labels but are not clinically interchangeable.

Because potassium phosphate solutions contain both potassium and phosphate, orders should clearly specify:

  • X mmol potassium phosphate (always indicate mmol of phosphate)
  • The salt form (potassium phosphate vs. sodium phosphate)
  • Infusion details per institutional protocol

Using mmol directly represents the phosphate dose, aligns with laboratory reporting (mmol/L), and minimizes calculation errors. It also improves communication between prescribers, pharmacists, and nurses by standardizing dosing across protocols and infusion concentrations.

Why Use mmol for Potassium Phosphate?

  • Directly measures phosphate, the therapeutic target
  • Reduces errors from confusing units (mg, mEq, mL)
  • Aligns with lab results and clinical guidelines
  • Clarifies potassium content while specifying phosphate replacement
  • Prevents overdosing/underdosing from misinterpretation

📊 IV Potassium Phosphate Ordering Guide

✅ Order By: mmol of phosphate
❌ Avoid: mg, mEq, or mL alone
💡 Why mmol? Precise dosing, safer communication, fewer errors
⚠️ Remember: Specify potassium phosphate vs. sodium phosphate

In summary:
Always prescribe IV potassium phosphate as "X mmol potassium phosphate" to ensure clarity, accuracy, and patient safety.