Phytomenadione is used to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in newborn babies.

Vitamin K1 is an essential co-factor for the liver to produce prothrombin (factor II) and other blood clotting factors such as factor VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K1 does not easily pass from mother to baby through the placenta and is poorly excreted in breast milk. Low levels at birth may cause hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Administration of Phytomenadione helps the liver produce essential coagulation factors and reduces the risk of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). After oral administration, it is absorbed from the small intestine and taken up by the liver, even without biliary and pancreatic secretions. Its plasma half-life is about 2 to 3 hours.

The contents of Vitamin K1 capsule should be administered by cutting the narrow tubular tip off the capsule and squeezing the liquid into the baby’s mouth.

• One Vitamin K1 (1 mg) capsule is to be administered at birth and another dose should be given if the first dose is spat out.
• For babies who are being exclusively breastfed, a dose of 1 mg once weekly for 12 weeks is recommended for the prevention of late Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.

Vitamin K1 acts as an antidote to coumarin-type anticoagulant medicines. Therefore, using them together is generally not recommended, except in the treatment of warfarin overdose. It is not an antidote for heparin.

Further doses of Vitamin K1 soft gelatin capsules should not be given to any baby who shows hypersensitivity to any ingredient of this product.

No significant side effects have been reported with oral administration.

Not applicable.

Before giving Vitamin K1, medical advice should be taken if the baby is receiving warfarin treatment for protein C or protein S deficiency.

Vitamin-K Preparations

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.