Potassium Phosphate

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An inorganic compound used as a laxative, dietary supplement and for electrolyte-replacement purposes. Phosphate, a predominant intracellular anion, plays an important role in energy storage, osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities, regulating serum calcium concentrations and numerous cellular phosphate-transfer reactions. Potassium phosphate increases fluidity of the intestinal contents by retention of water by osmotic forces, thereby indirectly inducing intestinal smooth muscle constriction.

**Synonyms:** - POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, UNSPECIFIED FORM