Menadiol diphosphate is a man-made water soluble form of vitamin K. It is given as a vitamin K supplement to prevent bleeding caused by vitamin K deficiency.
Treating and preventing bleeding associated with a low blood level of prothrombin or clotting factors, for example before and after surgery in people with jaundice caused by blockage of the bile duct (obstructive jaundice).
The blood clotting process is complicated, but begins when blood cells called platelets clump together at the site of tissue damage and produce chemicals that activate clotting factors in the blood. Clotting factors are proteins that are produced by the liver. Vitamin K is essential for their production.
Vitamin K is normally obtained from the diet; for example it is found in green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, cereals and dairy products. Although it cannot be made by the human body itself, a certain amount of vitamin K is also made by bacteria that live in the gut.
As natural vitamin K is fat soluble, it is absorbed into the body with fats consumed in the diet. The body normally produces bile to help it absorb fats from the gut. In conditions where there is a problem with the production of bile, for example in certain liver diseases, or if there is a blockage of the bile duct, there can be problems absorbing fats. This can lead to vitamin K deficiency, decreased production of clotting factors and an increased risk of bleeding.
In these situations, menadiol diphosphate is given as a vitamin K supplement to increase the production of clotting factors. It is water soluble so is readily absorbed from the gut.
Menadiol diphospate tablets may be taken with or without food.
The number of tablets to be taken each day will vary from person to person. Follow the dose instructions given by your doctor.
People who lack the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency).
Newborn babies and young infants.
Women in late pregnancy, labour or immediately after childbirth.
This medicine should not be used during late pregnancy or labour because it is known to be associated with a small risk of haemolytic anaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and kernicterus in the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any other stage of pregnancy.
Destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis) in people with G6PD deficiency or a deficiency of vitamin E.
This medicine will oppose the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, nicoumarol and phenindione, because these work by blocking the action of vitamin K.
Menadiol diphosphate tablets are only available generically (ie without a brand name).