Vitamin K Injection (Phytomenadione)

Vitamin K Injection contains phytomenadione, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. It is commonly used to treat or prevent bleeding disorders caused by vitamin K deficiency or certain medical conditions. Administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV), it ensures rapid correction of clotting factor deficiencies.

Key Benefits

• Prevents and Treats Bleeding: Effective for bleeding disorders such as vitamin K deficiency or excessive anticoagulant use.
• Corrects Clotting Factor Deficiency: Supports the production of clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) in the liver.
• Newborn Prophylaxis: Prevents Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in newborns.
• Fast-Acting: Quickly restores normal clotting in emergency situations.

Common Uses

• Newborn Prophylaxis: Administered to newborns shortly after birth to prevent bleeding complications.
• Overdose of Anticoagulants: Reverses excessive bleeding caused by anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin).
• Liver Disease: Treats bleeding disorders associated with impaired liver function.
• Vitamin K Deficiency: Addresses deficiencies caused by poor diet, malabsorption, or prolonged antibiotic use.

How to Use

1. Administration:
   • Administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection by a healthcare provider.
   • Newborns are typically given a single IM dose shortly after birth.
2. Dosage:
   • Adults: 10-20mg, depending on the severity of the deficiency or bleeding.
   • Children: 1-5mg, adjusted based on weight and condition.
   • Newborns: 0.5-1mg IM as a single dose.
3. Monitoring: Blood clotting time and prothrombin time (PT) are monitored to evaluate response.

Who Can Use It?

Vitamin K Injection is suitable for newborns, children, and adults experiencing or at risk of vitamin K deficiency or bleeding disorders.

Precautions

• Possible Side Effects:
  • Common: Pain or swelling at the injection site.
  • Rare: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, especially with IV administration. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Not for Routine Use in Adults: Use only under medical supervision and for specific indications.
• Avoid Overdose: Excess vitamin K can cause complications such as hemolysis or jaundice in infants.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about anticoagulants or other medications being taken to avoid interactions.

Storage

• Store Properly: Keep at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
• Protect from Freezing: Do not freeze the vial.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Ensure secure storage to prevent accidental use.

Vitamin K Injection is a crucial medication for preventing and treating bleeding disorders caused by vitamin K deficiency. Always ensure administration is handled by a qualified healthcare professional for safe and effective outcomes.