Vitamin K3
Vitamin K3 Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Vitamin K3 is a brand name. Its generic name is Menadione.
Vitamin K3 Introduction
Vitamin K3 is a water-soluble vitamin K-2 derivative also known as dihydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. It is used both as a dietary supplement and as a pharmaceutical medication. It is the most commonly used form of vitamin K-2 in the United States.
Uses of Vitamin K3
Vitamin K3 is used to treat and prevent Vitamin K deficiency and is commonly used to treat Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiencies. It is also used to prevent hemorrhagic disease in newborns. In addition, it may be used to treat patients with chronic cholestasis where there is a lack of absorption of vitamin K. Vitamin K3 is also used in the production of certain food products.
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin K3 acts as a cofactor in the production of a variety of coagulation factors within the body. It also helps to regulate the processes involved with calcium homeostasis. In addition, it helps activate proteins involved in bone and hemostatic development.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Vitamin K3 generally takes effect between 1-4 hours after ingestion. However, effects may vary between individuals.
Absorption
Vitamin K3 is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with maximum levels occurring approximately 4 hours after ingestion.
Route of Elimination
Vitamin K3 is rapidly eliminated from the body following ingestion and is primarily eliminated in urine and feces.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of menadione depends on the patient's age and body weight. In general, it is recommended that adults aged 19 years or older take 0.5 to 1.0 mg/day orally, and that adolescents aged 14 to 18 years take 0.375 to 0.75 mg/day orally. For newborns and infants aged 0-6 months, a dose of 1 to 4 mg/day should be administered orally or intramuscularly, while 7-12 months should take 0.5 to 2.5 mg/day orally or intramuscularly. Dosages should be determined by a healthcare professional for each individual patient.
Administration
Vitamin K3 is most effective when taken orally, however it can also be administered intramuscularly. When taken orally, a maximum single dose of 1.0 mg should be taken no more than once a day, and should preferably be taken with meals to enhance absorption.
Side Effects
Common side effects of menadione include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term use of menadione may increase the risk of hemolytic anemia. Discuss the potential risks with a healthcare professional before taking menadione.
Toxicity
Vitamin K3 is generally well-tolerated at the recommended dosage and is considered to be non-toxic. However, long-term use of menadione above the recommended dosage can lead to serious side effects such as hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatic dysfunction, and should be avoided.
Precautions
Vitamin K3 should not be used by individuals with known allergies to its components, as this may lead to anaphylaxis. Additionally, menadione should not be taken in combination with anticoagulants, as it may decrease their effectiveness.
Interactions
There are a number of potential drug and food interactions with menadione. It is known to interact with anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antihistamines, and cholestyramine. Vitamin K3 is also known to interact with certain dietary supplements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. For a full list of potential interactions, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Disease Interactions
Vitamin K3 is known to interact with certain medical conditions, including those involving the liver, kidneys, and blood. Individuals with these conditions should discuss whether it is safe to use menadione with their healthcare provider before proceeding.
Drug Interactions
Vitamin K3 may interact with certain other drugs, including anticoagulants, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and blood thinners. It is important to discuss potential drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before using menadione.
Food Interactions
Some dietary supplements and foods may interact with menadione and should be avoided. Dairy products, alcohol, and caffeine should be avoided when taking menadione as they may decrease its effectiveness. Additionally, certain vitamin supplements and multivitamins may interact with menadione.
Pregnancy Use
Vitamin K3 is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking any supplement or medication during pregnancy.
Lactation Use
It is unknown if menadione passes into breast milk, so it is not recommended for use by nursing mothers. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking menadione while nursing.
Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of menadione is generally not life-threatening, however, it can cause feelings of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In the event of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Vitamin K3 should not be used by individuals with known allergies to its components as this may lead to anaphylaxis. Additionally, menadione should not be taken in combination with anticoagulants, as it may decrease their effectiveness.
Use direction
Vitamin K3 should be taken orally, with or without food. A maximum single dose of 1.0mg should be taken no more than once a day. The dosage of menadione should be determined by a healthcare professional for each individual patient.
Storage Conditions
Vitamin K3 should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light and moisture. It should not be stored for longer than recommended.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of menadione in the body is not well-defined.
Half Life
The half life of menadione in the body is not well-defined.
Clearance
The clearance of menadione from the body is not well-defined.
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