Phytomenadione
About
Phytomenadione belongs to the class of medications called ‘Vitamins’ used to prevent and treat vitamin K deficiency and bleeding in people with blood clotting problems. It is used to control bleeding in conditions such as after an accident, cut, or injury, in haemophiliacs (people who bleed more quickly than usual). Besides this, it is also used to treat hypoprothrombinemia (deficiency in immunoreactive prothrombin) caused by long-term use of anticoagulants, antibiotics, and salicylates.
Phytomenadione contains ‘Phytomenadione’ (vitamin k1) which works by providing vitamin K, that is needed for blood to clot usually in the body. Phytomenadione plays a crucial role in blood clotting and helps produce 4 of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting. It also has a positive effect on bone mineral density, decreases the risk of fractures, and fastens the process of repairing.
In some cases, Phytomenadione may cause side effects such as dizziness, flushing, changes in taste, and sweating. Most of 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.
Do not take Phytomenadione if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you have a history of liver disease, cholestatic disease (problem with the flow of bile in the body), kidney disease, heart disease, and blood disorders. Inform your doctor if you are taking antibiotics, anticoagulants (blood thinner), or aspirin. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins, before starting Phytomenadione.
Uses of Phytomenadione
Medicinal Benefits
Phytomenadione contains ‘Phytonadione’(vitamin K1), primarily used to treat vitamin K deficiency and prevent bleeding in people with blood clotting problems. Phytomenadione plays a key role in blood clotting and helps produce 4 of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting. It has a positive effect on bone mineral density, decreases the risk of fractures and fastens the process of repairing. Besides this, it also works as an antioxidant to protect the skin from the harmful effect of free radicals.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phytomenadione
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Changes in taste
- Sweating
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Phytomenadione or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Phytomenadione. Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins, before starting Phytomenadione. Inform your doctor if have had a history of liver disease, cholestatic disease (problem with the flow of bile in the body), kidney diseases, or heart diseases before taking Phytomenadione.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Phytomenadione may interact with anticoagulants (warfarin, dicumarol, anisindione), bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol), lipase inhibitor (orlistat), phosphate binder (sevelamer), pain relievers (aspirin), antibiotics (cefaclor, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, ceftriaxone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, cholestatic disease (problem with the flow of bile in the body), kidney diseases, heart diseases, or blood disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Phytomenadione as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPhytomenadione is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Phytomenadione if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedPhytomenadione may not affect your ability to drive. However, if you notice any side effects like dizziness, avoid driving and operating machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionPhytomenadione should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Kidney
cautionPhytomenadione should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Children
safe if prescribedPhytomenadione should be used in children below 12 years of age only if clinically needed. Dose adjustments are necessary.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume fresh fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach, collard, swiss chard, parsley, cauliflower, cabbage, avocado, green peas, and brussels sprouts.
- Consult a dietitian and prepare a diet plan. Eating healthy can help you to recover faster.
- Ask your doctor about the preferred exercises to do based on your health condition.
- Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fluids. Fluids are necessary to maintain blood flow in your body.
Special Advise
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Regular liver function tests should be performed if prolonged therapy with Phytomenadione is necessary for patients with liver disease.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Vitamin K deficiency is caused by insufficient dietary intake, inadequate absorption, and decreased storage of the vitamin due to liver disease, but it may also be caused by decreased production of vitamin K in the intestines. Low vitamin K levels can lead to many health problems like low bone mass density, increased fractures, increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding, and vitamin K deficiency bleeding (a bleeding problem that occurs in newborns during the first few days of life). Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include easy bruising, oozing from the nose or gums, excessive bleeding from wounds, punctures, and injection or surgical sites, heavy menstrual periods, and blood in the urine and/or stool.
FAQs
Common signs and symptoms of Phytomenadione deficiency may include easy bruising, excessive and abnormal bleeding, and haemorrhage. Phytomenadione is an important vitamin which is essential for blood clotting. The deficiency can also lead to abnormal and uncontrollable bleeding that can even endanger life.
Phytomenadione can be used in children with caution. Your doctor may make dose adjustments based on the age, weight, and health condition of your child.
Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics (mainly cephalosporins) may destroy Phytomenadione-producing bacteria in the gut, potentially decreasing Phytomenadione levels, especially if you take the antibiotics for more than a few weeks. People who have a poor appetite while using long-term antibiotics may be at greater risk for a deficiency and may benefit from a vitamin K supplement.
Phytomenadione can be found in green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and cabbage), soybean, milk, cheese, eggs, chicken, lamb, salmon, etc. Owing to the numerous benefits, it is advisable to include one or multiple food items rich in Phytomenadione in everyday diet to prevent its deficiency.
