Vitamin K replacements

Vitamin K is needed by the liver to make several clotting factors. Phytonadione, a form of vitamin K, treats bleeding problems caused by vitamin K deficiency or by warfarin, and a single shot prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns. Its effect on clotting takes hours to appear, so faster treatments are added when bleeding is severe. Severe allergic reactions can occur, especially when it is given into a vein or muscle, so those routes are reserved for when an injection under the skin is not practical.

• Phytonadione (vitamin K)