menadiol sodium diphosphate at a glance
Medicine class
Water-soluble vitamin K analogue
Main licensed use
Bleeding or threatened bleeding linked to low prothrombin or factor VII, especially with obstructive jaundice
How it is taken
By mouth; the scored tablet can be divided into equal portions
Important interaction
It can reduce sensitivity to anticoagulants such as warfarin
What is menadiol sodium diphosphate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of haemorrhage or threatened haemorrhage associated with low blood levels of prothrombin or factor VII.
Obstructive jaundice, particularly before and after surgery.
How does menadiol sodium diphosphate work?
Vitamin K is needed to form prothrombin and clotting factors VII, IX and X. This water-soluble vitamin K analogue has a related active form that is absorbed from the gut without depending on bile salts, which is relevant when bile flow is obstructed.
menadiol sodium diphosphate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg
How to take menadiol sodium diphosphate
Take the tablets by mouth exactly as directed by the prescriber. The score line allows the tablet to be divided into equal portions.
Keep tablets in their original container, protected from light.
Tell doctors and dentists that you take it before treatment or surgery.
menadiol sodium diphosphate side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Red-blood-cell breakdown causing anaemia or jaundice, with possible tiredness, paleness or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- A serious allergic reaction, including sudden wheezing, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips or eyelids.
menadiol sodium diphosphate in pregnancy
Menadiol sodium diphosphate is contraindicated in late pregnancy and around childbirth because exposure may cause haemolytic anaemia, high bilirubin and kernicterus in the baby. At any other stage of pregnancy, use only following specialist assessment.
menadiol sodium diphosphate interactions
Tell the prescriber or anticoagulation service about all medicines, vitamins and supplements.
Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, including warfarin
It can oppose their anticoagulant effect and reduce sensitivity, so anticoagulant control may need closer review.
Common questions about menadiol sodium diphosphate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It treats bleeding or threatened bleeding associated with low prothrombin or factor VII, particularly in obstructive jaundice before or after surgery.
Can it affect warfarin?
Yes. It can oppose warfarin's anticoagulant effect, so the anticoagulation service or prescriber should know about its use.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.