VITAMIN K SALF ® - Vitamin K (menadiol)

VITAMIN K SALF ® is a drug based on Vitamin K

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Vitamin K and other antihemorrhagics

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications VITAMIN K SALF ® - Vitamin K (menadiol)

VITAMIN K SALF ® is indicated for the prevention and treatment of neonatal hemorrhagic diseases or those associated with vitamin K deficiency.

Mechanism of action VITAMIN K SALF ® - Vitamin K (menadiol)

VITAMIN K SALF ® supplies vitamin K, in the form of a water-soluble compound known as menadiol sodium diphosphate, whose pharmacodynamic characteristics are however totally comparable to those of the more common phytomenadione.

In fact, menadiol is able to assist the activity of a specific carboxylase, involved in gamma carboxylation, therefore in the activation of some protein factors actively engaged in the coagulation process.

However recent studies have shown how this vitamin can among other things:

Promote regular growth;
Preventing blood styluses associated with chronic diseases, especially those affecting the gastro-enteric and genitourinary system;
Support anti-haemorrhagic activity, impaired during prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Consequently, a deficiency of vitamin K, could also seriously affect the health status of the patient, especially if at a young age, as happens in children suffering from haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. VITAMIN KE BONE HEALTH

PM R. 2011 Jun; 3 (6 Suppl 1): S82-7.

Interesting study, which proposes a re-evaluation of the works present in the literature, concerning the effects of vitamin K on bone health. The data shows that diets rich in this vitamin can prevent fractures and bone diseases.

2. THE ROLE OF VITAMIN K IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jan 19; (1): CD008482.

Cystic fibrosis is a multi-organ pathology often associated with lipid absorption disorders, which inevitably affect the blood concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins.

For this reason, supplementation with vitamin K could be useful in preserving the correct coagulation process, reducing the risk of bleeding and associated complications.

3. THE DEFICIT OF VITAMIN K IN COLESTASIS

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Jul; 49 (1): 78-84.

Study that demonstrates how the cholestatic disease of the liver may affect, albeit in subclinical form, the blood concentrations of vitamin K. This evidence underlines the importance of resorting to supplementation with this vitamin in such circumstances, in order to avoid the appearance of bleeding reactions .

Method of use and dosage

VITAMIN K SALF ®

Solution for injections from 10 - 50 mg of vitamin K for 2 ml of solution.

The definition of the dosage should be defined by the specialist doctor, based on the clinical characteristics of the patient, the coagulation picture, age and the possible presence of contextual pathologies.

All treatment should be supervised by your doctor to avoid the appearance of side effects.

Intravenous VITAMIN K SALF ® should preferably be taken in a hospital setting.

Warnings VITAMIN K SALF ® - Vitamin K (menadiol)

Before administering vitamin K, the doctor should carefully evaluate the patient's health conditions, evaluating the possible presence of pathological conditions, such as liver diseases and thrombotic or atherosclerotic pathologies, incompatible with the intake of VITAMIN K SALF ®.

In patients with liver disease of any degree, the result observed in terms of bleeding control could significantly differ from that expected, therefore requiring a possible adjustment of the dosage used and also taking into account the increased risk of developing allergic reactions.

Before taking VITAMIN K SALF ® it is necessary to check the clarity of the solution and the absence of visible precipitates.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The intake of VITAMIN K SALF ® during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding should be carried out exclusively in case of real need and under strict medical supervision.

Interactions

The concomitant intake of antibiotics or salicylates could lead to an increase in vitamin K requirements, therefore requiring an adjustment of the pharmacological dosage used.

It is useful to remember, in light of its biological role, how vitamin K could antagonize the anticoagulant effects of dicumarinics.

Contraindications VITAMIN K SALF ® - Vitamin K (menadiol)

VITAMIN K SALF ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to the relative excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Bronchospasm, cyanosis, pain at the injection site, pruritus, tachycardia, were some of the most frequently observed adverse reactions in adults following the intake of VITAMIN K SALF ®.

In children, the appearance of jaundice, constipation, abdominal pain, rash, and general malaise was observed.

In all cases, fortunately, the symptomatology returned with the simple suspension of medical therapy.