Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin K, specifically in the form of menadione (a synthetic vitamin K₃), has a scientifically validated role in the management of bleeding disorders caused by vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of several clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) in the liver. Deficiency of vitamin K impairs the production of these clotting factors, leading to an increased risk of bleeding, including internal hemorrhage. Menadione was historically used as a pharmacological agent to treat vitamin K deficiency bleeding, especially before the widespread availability of vitamin K₁ (phytonadione) and vitamin K₂ (menaquinone).

While vitamin K₁ is the preferred treatment today due to better efficacy and safety, menadione has been used in the past for the same purpose. Its use is now limited because menadione can cause hemolytic anemia, especially in neonates, and has other potential toxicities. Nevertheless, the scientific rationale for using vitamin K compounds (including menadione) to treat or prevent bleeding due to hypovitaminosis K is well-established and forms the basis of clinical guidelines. This practice is supported by a large body of clinical and biochemical evidence. However, in modern clinical settings, menadione is rarely used, and its therapeutic role has largely been replaced by safer vitamin K preparations.

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