Vitamin K

Type of Medication: Vitamin

Indications: Vitamin K malabsorbtion, high INR or vitamin K deficiency associated with liver impairment.

Side Effects: Anaphylaxis, local irritation, haemolysis.

Route of administration: Adult (Intravenous)

Dose:Slow infusion of 5 to 10 mg

Administration: Give injection slowly or as an infusion in 55 mls of dextrose 5 %.

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

Dose:10mg od

Administration: give as phytomenadione (vitamin K1) with food and enzymes if pancreatic insufficient

Route of administration: Paediatric (Oral)

Dose:5 – 10 mg od

Examples of some Drug Interactions

Interacting drug: Warfarin

interferes with vitamin K metabolism. The effects of warfarin can be antagonised by giving vitamin K.