About menadiol

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for blood clotting. A lack of vitamin K can lead to unwanted bleeding.

Most people can get sufficient vitamin K from the food they eat. It occurs naturally in many foods, especially leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and spinach, and also in avocado, meat, milk, and some cereals. If you are unable to absorb sufficient vitamin K from your diet because you have difficulties absorbing fatty substances, then menadiol is suitable for you as a supplement. It is a synthetic, water-soluble form of vitamin K.

Before taking menadiol

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking menadiol it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or trying for a baby. This is because you may need to stop taking menadiol towards the end of your pregnancy.
• If you have been told you have vitamin E deficiency, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (this is an inherited disorder which causes problems after eating foods such as fava beans).
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take menadiol

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about menadiol tablets.
• Take menadiol exactly as your doctor has told you. Your dose will be adjusted to suit you, but it is usual for adults to take between 10-40 mg (1-4 tablets) daily, and for children to take half this amount. Your doctor will tell you what the right dose is for you. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.
• You may take the tablets at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day. This will help you to avoid missing any doses. You can take the tablets before or after meals.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
• Continue to take the tablets until you are advised otherwise.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking menadiol.
• 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 unwanted effects.

Very occasionally, people taking menadiol have developed a problem with their red blood cells which has lead to anaemia and jaundice. Although this happens only rarely, if you develop any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, or if you think you may be anaemic, you must tell your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store menadiol

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

Important information about all medicines