Drug information of Vitamin K1

Mechanism of effect

Same activity as naturally occurring vitamin K₁, which is required for the synthesis of blood coagulation factors II (prothrombin), VII (proconvertin), IX (Christmas factor or plasma thromboplastin component), and X (Stuart-Prower factor) in the liver.

Pharmacodynamic

Reverses the inhibitory effect of coumarin and indandione derivatives on the synthesis of these factors.

Pharmacokinetics

Abosorbed from the GI tract only in the presence of bile salts. Oral administration: blood coagulation factors increase in 6–10 hours. Parenteral administration: blood coagulation factors increase within 1–2 hours. Parenteral administration: bleeding usually controlled within 3–6 hours, and a normal prothrombin time often obtained within 12–14 hours.

May be concentrated in the liver for a short time after absorption; only small amounts are stored in body tissues. Appears to cross the placenta to a limited extent. Distributes into milk. Route of excretion of vitamin K is not known. High fecal concentrations of vitamin K probably result from bacterial synthesis in the intestine.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoprothrombinemia - Anticoagulant Induced

Initial dose: 2.5 to 10 mg, orally, subcutaneously, or IV
Maximum dose: Up to 25 mg (rarely up to 50 mg)

Comments:
-Give subcutaneously rather than IV whenever possible.
-If IV administration must be used, inject very slowly, not exceeding 1 mg/minute.

Use: Coumarin or indanedione anticoagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoprothrombinemia - Not Associated with Anticoagulant Therapy

Initial dose: 2.5 to 25 mg or more, orally or subcutaneously (SC)
Maximum dose: Rarely up to 50 mg

Comments:
-Use concurrent bile salts if giving orally if obstructive jaundice or biliary fistula are present, otherwise vitamin K will not be absorbed.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoprothrombinemia - Prophylaxis

0.5 to 1 mg, IM, once, within one hour of birth

Use: Prophylaxis and therapy of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn when caused by deficiency or interference with vitamin K activity

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin K Deficiency

0.5 to 1 mg, IM, once, within one hour of birth

Use: Prophylaxis and therapy of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn when caused by deficiency or interference with vitamin K activity

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoprothrombinemia - Not Associated with Anticoagulant Therapy

1 mg, subcutaneously or IM

Drug contraindications

Side effects

Interactions

Alerts

Very bad and sometimes deadly effects have happened during and after injection into a vein or a muscle. These effects looked like allergic reactions with very bad heart or breathing problems. Some people have had these effects after getting phytonadione injection for the first time. This medicine must only be given into a vein or a muscle when it cannot be given other ways and the benefits are more than the risks.

Coagulant effect is not immediate after parenteral administration; measurable improvement in prothrombin time generally occurs after a minimum of 1–2 hours. 

Repeated large doses are not indicated in liver disease if the response to initial therapy with the vitamin is unsatisfactory.

Serious and fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, after IV or IM administration.

Rapidly degraded by light; protect phytonadione injection from light. Store in closed original carton until use.

Points of recommendation

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• If you have an allergy to phytonadione (vitamin k) or any other part of this medicine.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.

Some products have benzyl alcohol. Do not give a product that has benzyl alcohol in it to a newborn or infant. Talk with the doctor to see if this product has benzyl alcohol in it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

It is given as a shot into a muscle, vein, or into the fatty part of the skin.

Pregnancy level