Phytonadione

(fye toe na DYE one)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Shot: Risky allergic effects may rarely happen.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to phytonadione (vitamin K) or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency or liver disease.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is often given to newborn babies.
• It is used to help growth and good health.
• It is used to replace low vitamin K.
• Vitamin K may be a diet aid that is needed in patients who have trouble taking in fat-soluble vitamins.
• It is used to stop and treat bleeding.

How does this drug work?

• Phytonadione works in the liver to stop bleeding.
• It helps your child get needed nutrients in his/her diet.

How is this drug given?

• Oral:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a vein or into the fatty part of the skin.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few days to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Short-term pain after use.
• Belly pain.
• Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal.
• Flushing. Dressing your child in layers of clothes or summer clothes and providing a cool place may help.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has pinpoint red spots on his/her skin.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from light.
• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any part not used after 3 days.
• The shot will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.