Menadiol Phosphate

How does it work?

Menadiol sodium phosphate is a water soluble form of Vitamin K. Naturally occurring vitamin K is fat soluble and is produced in the body, by bacteria that live in the gut. It is also commonly found in the diet - in green leafy vegetables and meat. Vitamin K acts in the liver and is essential for the production and activation of certain blood clotting factors. Therefore a lack of vitamin K in the body prevents blood clot formation and increases the risk of bleeding (haemorrhage), which can sometimes be life threatening. This can sometimes arise in certain liver disorders, where activation of blood clotting factors is impaired or in disorders of the gall bladder. In such situations, menadiol sodium phosphate, can be given to supplement vitamin K in the liver. This allows normal blood clotting to continue and to prevent bleeding.

What is it used for?

Bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency

Jaundice caused by blockage of the bile duct

Use with caution in

Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Vitamin E deficiency

Not to be used in

Babies less than one month old (neonates)

Children under 1 year of age

The period before and after child birth

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis),especially in newborn infants

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Anticoagulants such as warfarin, nicoumarol and phenindione act by blocking the action of vitamin K. Therefore if these anticoagulants are given concurrently with large doses of menadiol sodium phosphate, there may be a reverse in their actions and a reduction in their effectiveness.

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