$Unique_ID{BRK03375}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{vitamin K}
$Subject{Mephyton Merck Sharp Dohme vitamin K phytonadione blood clots wound
healing repair body tissues gastrointestinal clotting disorders}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


vitamin K
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Mephyton (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

TYPE OF DRUG

     vitamin K supplement

INGREDIENT

     phytonadione

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (5 mg)

STORAGE

     Vitamin K tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Vitamin K is required by the body to produce the blood clots that are
necessary for wound healing and the day-to-day repair of body tissues.
Normally, bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract produce large
quantities of the vitamin, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.  Some
vitamin K is also absorbed directly from the foods we eat (leafy green
vegetables, meats, and dairy products).  This medication is used as a
supplement for those patients who cannot, for various reasons (for example,
gastrointestinal bypass surgery, malnutrition, antibiotic therapy), absorb
sufficient vitamin K from their gastrointestinal tracts.  This supplement,
therefore, prevents the blood clotting disorders that would result from
vitamin K deficiency.

TREATMENT

     Vitamin K can be taken either on an empty stomach or, to avoid stomach
irritation, with food or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose of the medication at all; just return to your regular
dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose of medication.  Be sure to tell
your doctor about any missed doses.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Alterations in taste, headache, nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
itching, shortness of breath, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Vitamin K interacts with a number of other types of medications:
     1. Antibiotics, quinine, quinidine, aspirin, oral antidiabetic
medications, cholestyramine, colestipol, and mineral oil can increase the
dosage requirements of vitamin K.
     2. Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood
thinners, such as warfarin).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you
have had to any medication, especially to vitamin K supplements.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or liver disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether vitamin K passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.