PHYTOMENADIONE = VITAMIN K1 injectable

Therapeutic action

• Vitamin, anti-haemorrhagic

Indications

• Prophylaxis and treatment of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 2 mg ampoule (10 mg/ml, 0.2 ml), for oral administration, IM or slow IV injection

Dosage

Prophylaxis of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
By IM route, the day of birth:

• Neonate < 1.5 kg: 0.5 mg single dose
• Neonate ≥ 1.5 kg: 1 mg single dose

Treatment of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn
By IM or slow IV route:
1 mg every 8 hours if necessary, depending on clinical evolution and coagulation tests results

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• May cause: allergic reactions, especially by IV route; haematoma at IM injection site.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Also comes in 10 mg ampoules (10 mg/ml, 1 ml) for use in adults only (treatment of haemorrhage due to antivitamin K agents, etc.) .
• Vitamin K₁ is also used as prophylaxis for neonatal hypoprothrombinemia in mothers treated with enzyme-inducing antituberculosis drugs (rifampicin, rifabutin) during pregnancy. Use 10 mg ampoules (10 mg/ml, 1 ml): administer 10 mg/day of vitamin K₁ by oral route for 15 days before birth. This maternal prevention does not change the need for IM administration of vitamin K₁ in neonates. 
• Do not dilute or mix with other drugs in the same syringe.

Storag