MedlinePlus Drug Information: Phytonadione Oral

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Phytonadione Oral

(fye toe na dye' one)

Brand name(s): Mephyton
Other name(s): Vitamin K1

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Phytonadione (vitamin K) is used to prevent bleeding in patients with low thrombin levels or vitamin K deficiency.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Phytonadione comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day or once every other day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take phytonadione exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To prevent side effects, phytonadione should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-release (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking phytonadione,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to phytonadione or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including other vitamins. Do not take anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) while you are taking phytonadione unless told to do so by your doctor.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking phytonadione, call your doctor immediately.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Check with your doctor about how much vitamin K to include in your diet while taking phytonadione. Do not increase or decrease your normal intake of foods high in vitamin K without checking with your doctor; such foods include green leafy vegetables, liver, broccoli, and cauliflower.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from phytonadione are not common, they can occur. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

unusual bleeding

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to phytonadione.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer