Severe Hypophosphatemia Due to Hypokalemia

Severe hypokalemia, induced by the chronic ingestion of licorice and hydrochlorothiazide, appears to have caused a marked increase in phosphate clearance, a decrease in tubular reabsorption of phosphate, and hypophosphatemia. A decrease in phosphate clearance and a return of the plasma phosphate concentration to normal levels occurred after correction of the potassium deficit.