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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Menadiol

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Menadiol

  • Menadiol is a vitamin K supplement.
  • It must not be taken in late pregnancy.
  • It must not be given to babies or young children.

About menadiol

Type of medicineVitamin K
Used forPrevention of vitamin K deficiency
Also calledMenadiol phosphate, menadiol sodium phosphate, menadiol sodium diphosphate, menadiol diphosphate
Available asTablets

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for blood clotting and in aiding the formation of bones. Lack of vitamin K can lead to unwanted bleeding.

Vitamin K occurs naturally in many foods, especially leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach, and also in avocado, meat, milk, and some cereals.

In jaundice and after some surgery there may be difficulty in absorbing fatty substances which means that not enough vitamin K can be absorbed from the diet. Menadiol is a water-soluble form of vitamin K which prevents vitamin K deficiency in these conditions.

Before taking menadiol

Before taking menadiol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
  • If you have vitamin E deficiency.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Menadiol is not to be given to babies or infants.

How to take menadiol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take menadiol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with menadiol.

Can menadiol cause problems?

Menadiol is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Important: If you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or think you may be anaemic, speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department.

How to store menadiol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Menadiol diphosphate tablets, Cambridge Laboratories, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2002, accessed 3 July 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3634		DocRef:
dils3260		Last Reviewed:
20 Oct 2008		Version:
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