Menadione
About
Menadione is a vitamin supplement used to treat nutritional deficiencies. It is primarily used in the treatment of Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is one of the important vitamins that help blood clotting and bone metabolism. Due to its coagulant properties, Menadione is also used in the prevention of anti-coagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency (increased risk of bleeding due to deficiency of prothrombin).
Menadione contains Menadione (Vitamin K3) which is a Vitamin K analogue. It works by helping the body make blood clotting factors such as Factor II, VII, IX, X in the liver, and anticoagulant proteins that prevent bleeding.
Menadione may cause certain side effects such as facial flushing, hemolysis, sweating, altered taste and injection site reactions. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor immediately. Menadione is a parenteral medicine. It will be administered by a trained healthcare professional. Hence, do not administer by yourself. The dose of the medicine will be decided by your doctor depending on your condition.
Menadione should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present in it. Keep your doctor informed about your complete health condition including the medications you take and medical history to rule out any side effects/interactions. Before administration, inform your doctor if you have G6PD deficiency (a genetic condition that causes the breakdown of red blood cells prematurely), as this medicine is contraindicated in those patients. Also inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Menadione.
Uses of Menadione
Medicinal Benefits
Menadione contains Menadione (Vitamin K3) which is a Vitamin K analogue. It works by helping the body make blood clotting factors such as Factor II, VII, IX, X in the liver, and anticoagulant proteins that prevent bleeding.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Menadione
- Facial flushing
- Sweating
- Injection site reactions
- Hemolysis
- Altered taste
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Menadione should be avoided if you are allergic to any components. Inform your doctor if you have a cholestatic disease, artificial heart valve, seizures, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Menadione is contraindicated in neonates and G6PD deficiency patients as it can cause serious side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your complete health condition including the current medications and medical history to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Menadione may interact with prothrombin-depressing anti-coagulants.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a cholestatic disease (impairment in bile formation/flow), artificial heart valve, G6PD deficiency, or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Menadione. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Menadione. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Menadione. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
consult your doctorMenadione generally does not affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Menadione.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Menadione.
Children
consult your doctorVitamin K injections are given to newborn babies to prevent a dangerous condition known as haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole fruits.
- Include green leafy vegetables, soybean and canola oil, and fortified meal replacement shakes.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress.
- Avoid processed and fried food.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Vitamin K deficiency: It is caused by decreased production of vitamin K in the body and insufficient dietary intake, inadequate absorption, and decreased storage of vitamin K. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include easy bruising, nose bleeds, and bleeding caused by the inability to form clots.
Hypoprothrombinemia: It is characterized by a deficiency of the blood-clotting substance called prothrombin, which leads to prolonged bleeding. This condition is usually associated with vitamin K deficiency. Symptoms include easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, heavy bleeding, and nose bleeds.
FAQs
Menadione works by helping the body make blood clotting factors such as Factor II, VII, IX, X in the liver, and anticoagulant proteins that prevent bleeding.
Menadione may cause cyanosis, a condition characterized by bluish discolouration of the skin, lips, nails, or around the eyes. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.