Vitamin K (Class) (Oral Route, Parenteral Route): An Overview

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin necessary for normal clotting of the blood and for growth and health. It is found in various foods including green leafy vegetables, meat and dairy products and normally obtained through a balanced diet. However, some people may require extra Vitamin K for a variety of medical reasons, and as such it is available in a variety of forms, including oral and parenteral routes.

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal clotting of the blood and for growth and health. It is found in various foods, including green leafy vegetables, meat and dairy products, and can normally be obtained through a balanced diet. When taken in diet form, little Vitamin K is lost through normal cooking.

Vitamin K is routinely given to newborn infants to prevent bleeding problems, and can also be prescribed by a doctor to those who may have a deficiency due to certain medical conditions. As such, Vitamin K is available in a variety of forms, including capsule, tablet, capsule-liquid filled, solution and oil.

Uses of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is used in cases where a deficiency of Vitamin K may be an issue. For example, Vitamin K may be indicated in those who are taking anticoagulant medicine, as a lack of Vitamin K could lead to problems with blood clotting and increased bleeding. Additionally, Vitamin K can be used for a variety of other medical conditions, including but not limited to low levels of Vitamin K due to malabsorption syndromes, vitamin K deficiency bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Brand Names

Vitamin K is available in a variety of brand names, including the US brand name Mephyton, and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Side Effects

The use of Vitamin K can lead to a variety of side effects, including allergic reactions, skin rash or itching, feeling lightheaded, nausea or abdominal pain and confusion. If these or other side effects occur, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Vitamin K (Class) (Oral Route, Parenteral Route) is an essential vitamin that is necessary for normal blood clotting and for growth and health. It normally can be obtained through food, however, in certain conditions additional Vitamin K may be required, and is available in a variety of forms, including capsule, tablet, capsule-liquid filled, solution and oil. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription and can cause a variety of side effects, including allergic reactions, skin rash or itching, and feeling lightheaded.