Phytonadione (injection)

Phytonadione is a vitamin that can help people who have blood clotting problems stop bleeding excessively. This medication raises the amount of vitamin K in the body so that blood clots naturally; patients who respond to this treatment won’t need blood transfusions in order to resolve blood clotting problems.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication should only be injected intravenously if no other option exists–e.g., during emergency surgery. There have been cases in which patients have suddenly died after receiving an intravenous injection of phytonadione. Slowing the infusion rate does not appear to lower this risk. Thus, patients should receive this medication in a different manner whenever possible.