Hypophosphatemia (serum phosphorus concentration <2.5 mg/dl, 0.8 mmol/l), 
although rare in the general population, is commonly observed in hospitalized 
patients and may be associated with drug therapy. In fact, hypophosphatemia 
frequently develops in the course of treatment with drugs used in every-day 
clinical practice including diuretics and bisphosphonates. Proper diagnostic 
approach of patients with low serum phosphorus concentrations should involve a 
detailed medical history with special attention to the recent use of 
medications. The clinical manifestations of drug-induced hypophosphatemia are 
usually mild but might also be severe and potentially life-threatening. This 
review aims at a thorough understanding of the underlying pathophysiological 
mechanisms and risk factors of drug therapy-related hypophosphatemia thus 
allowing prevention and effective intervention strategies.