menadione

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Blood Clotting: menadione synthesizes various clotting factors in the liver, which are essential for proper blood clotting. It assists in the conversion of prothrombin (factor II) into thrombin during the coagulation cascade. Thrombin then converts fibrinogen into fibrin, forming the basis of a blood clot. 

Spectrum: menadione has a spectrum of actions primarily related to its role as a precursor to active forms of vitamin K. It is not used as extensively in medical treatments as other forms of vitamin K due to its potential for toxicity at high doses. Instead, its derivatives, such as menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7), are often used in supplements for their role in bone and cardiovascular health. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Inj site reactions 

phlebitis 

Severe shock-like reactions 

Dyspnoea 

Sweating 

chest constriction/pain 

Facial flushing 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: Individuals hypersensitive or allergic to menadione or its components should avoid its use. 

Liver Disorders: menadione is metabolized in the liver, and its use may be contraindicated in individuals with existing liver disorders or impaired liver function. 

G6PD Deficiency: menadione has the potential to trigger oxidative stress and lead to hemolytic anemia in people afflicted by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, an inherited genetic condition. 

Renal Impairment: Individuals with kidney issues might face a higher chance of experiencing adverse outcomes because of the possible buildup of menadione or its byproducts. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of menadione during pregnancy and breastfeeding is uncertain. Utilizing it is typically discouraged due to the potential hazards it poses to the developing fetus or nursing infant. 

Blood Clotting Disorders: menadione affects blood clotting factors and can interfere with anticoagulant medications, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding disorders. 

Children: menadione’s safety and efficacy in children have yet to be well established, and its use in pediatric populations may not be recommended. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

menadione is a synthetic compound used as a dietary supplement and in some medical applications. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

menadione acts as a precursor to active forms of vitamin K within the body, specifically in synthesizing clotting factors involved in the coagulation cascade.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

menadione is usually administered orally as a supplement. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, although its absorption can be limited due to its water-insolubility. It might sometimes be converted to more water-soluble forms to enhance absorption. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, menadione is transported through the bloodstream to various tissues. It can cross cell membranes and will likely be distributed throughout the body. However, it’s worth noting that menadione’s distribution can be affected by its lipophilic nature, which can lead to accumulation in fatty tissues. 

Metabolism 

menadione undergoes metabolism in the liver. It can be converted to various metabolites, including water-soluble forms of Vitamin K, such as menadiol. The metabolism of menadione involves enzymatic processes, including reduction and conjugation reactions, which help convert it into more readily excreted forms. 

Excretion and Elimination 

Metabolized forms of menadione, such as menadiol, are excreted primarily through the urine. These metabolites are water-soluble and can be readily eliminated from the body. Unmetabolized menadione can also be excreted through the urine, but its elimination might be slower than the metabolites. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

menadione is available in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, and injectable solutions. The choice of dosage form depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation.  

In certain medical situations, menadione may be administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). A trained medical professional usually performs these injections in a clinical setting. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: menadione 

Why do we use menadione?  

Vitamin K Deficiency Treatment: menadione has been used to treat vitamin K deficiency, which can lead to bleeding problems. menadione was used as a supplement to help restore normal clotting function. 

Antioxidant Properties: menadione has shown antioxidant properties in certain studies. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage linked to various health issues, including aging and certain diseases.