Details

Phytomenadione (vitamin K) is essential for blood clotting and in aiding the formation of bones. It is used as an antidote to prevent bleeding if too high a dose of an anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin has been taken. Natural sources of vitamin K are found in leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach. It is also present in avocado, meat, cow's milk, egg-yolk, and some cereals. Newborn babies are given phytomenadione to prevent bleeding due to a lack of vitamin K (which can occur during the first weeks of a baby's life). Phytomenadione is given to babies by an injection, or by two or three doses of a liquid which is swallowed.