Mephyton

Mephyton is essential for normal body growth and health. It is essential for normal clotting of the blood. People who get a balanced diet get a sufficient amount of vitamin K from food.

However, prolong illness or treatment can cause vitamin K deficiency which may lead to increased bleeding or problem in clotting.

One can get vitamin K from different foods such as:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Meat
• Dairy products

Little vitamin K is lost from foods during ordinary cooking.

It is routinely given to newborns to prevent any bleeding problems.

It is available in the form of capsule and tablet, only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Mephyton, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

They are sensitive to vitamin K, especially to high doses. Premature babies are more sensitive than older children.

Elderly

It is not known if it causes any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy

It is category C. It is not recommended to use in pregnancy as it may cause jaundice and other problems in the baby.

Breast Feeding

It is safe to take vitamin K while nursing. Consult your doctor if you are giving unfortified formula milk to your baby as he/she may add vitamin K to your baby diet by some other way.

Drug Interactions

Vitamin K interacts with many drugs. It should not be used with several drugs.

Your doctor should be informed of any other medicine which you are taking as he/she may change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below

• Anisindione
• Heparin
• Warfarin
• Coumadin
• Aspirin
• Antibiotics

Other Medical Conditions

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Cystic fibrosis or other diseases affecting the pancreas.
• Diarrhea (prolonged)
• Gallbladder disease
• Intestinal problems: These conditions may interfere with absorption of vitamin K into the body when it is taken by mouth, higher doses may be needed, or the medicine may have to be injected.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• Liver disease

Proper usage of Mephyton requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders.

Dosage

Drug dose is different for different people based on body weight. You should follow your doctor’s direction. The following information is an average dose of this drug.

Problems with blood clotting or increased bleeding, or for dietary supplementation:

Menadiol type

Oral dosage form (tablets):

• Adults and children: 5 to 10 milligram (mg) a day.

Injection form:

• Adults and teenagers: 5 to 15 mg injected into skin or muscle, one or two times a day.
• Children: 5 to 10 mg injected into skin or muscle, one or two times a day.

Phytonadione type

Oral dosage form (tablets):

• Adults and teenagers: 2.5 to 25 mg, rarely up to 50 mg. The dose may be repeated if needed.
• Children: Use is not recommended.

Injection dosage form:

• Adults and teenagers: 2.5 to 25 mg, rarely up to 50 mg, injected under the skin. The dose may be repeated if needed.

For prevention of bleeding in newborns

The usual dose is 0.5 to 1 mg, injected into a muscle or under the skin, right after delivery. The dose may be repeated after six to eight hours if needed.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

In using Mephyton, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may do a blood test to see how fast your blood is clotting.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Mephyton before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Inform your doctor if you take any anticoagulant medicines. He/she may want to change the dose of vitamin K.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Mephyton. Some people may experience none or minor side effects. Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent.

More common are:

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Changes in your sense of taste
• Sweating
• Dizziness

More severe are:

• Feeling like you might pass out
• Blue-colored lips
• Trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.