Home Drug Guide Menadione

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Menadione

Brand Names Vitamin K3

Classification

Therapeutic: Vitamin and mineral supplement

Pharmacological: Vitamin K group

FDA Approved Indications

Prevention and treatment of vitamin K deficiency bleeding, especially in newborns

Mechanism of Action

Menadione is a synthetic form of vitamin K that promotes synthesis of prothrombin and other clotting factors in the liver, thereby aiding in blood coagulation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 5-10 mg orally daily; specific doses depend on deficiency severity.

Pediatric: Doses vary; generally 0.5-2 mg orally daily for infants, adjusted based on deficiency and medical assessment.

Geriatric: Similar to adult dosing; consider renal and hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; liver function affects clotting factor synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Distributed largely in liver tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted primarily in bile; small amounts in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 16-24 hours.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to vitamin K or its derivatives.

Precautions

Use cautiously in patients with coagulation disorders or on anticoagulant therapy; monitor INR frequently.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling. (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Anaphylaxis, hemolytic anemia (rare). (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Warfarin and other anticoagulants (may decrease efficacy).

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess coagulation status (PT/INR), liver function, and signs of bleeding.

Diagnoses:

Risk for bleeding

Implementation: Administer orally with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset; monitor coagulation parameters.

Evaluation: Observe for cessation of bleeding and normalized coagulation parameters.

Patient/Family Teaching

Inform about the purpose of supplement, potential side effects, and signs of bleeding or allergic reactions.
Advise against taking with anticoagulants without medical supervision.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

None

Genetic Factors: Variability in response due to genetic differences in metabolism; monitor accordingly.

Lab Test Interference: None significant.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Signs of hypercoagulability, such as thrombosis.

Treatment: Discontinue supplement; supportive care; in severe cases, anticoagulant therapy may be required under medical supervision.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.