Kanavit (Phytomenadione)

Kanavit is used to address disorders of the coagulation cascade that involve vitamin K‑dependent clotting factors.

• Vitamin K deficiency bleeding: restores clotting factor activity to stop or prevent bleeding.
• Warfarin over‑anticoagulation: rapidly reverses anticoagulant effect to normalize coagulation.
• Surgical patients on vitamin K antagonists: provides rapid correction of coagulation to allow safe surgery.
• Neonatal hemorrhagic disease: supplies vitamin K to prevent bleeding in newborns.

• Phytomenadione acts as a source of vitamin K1, serving as an essential cofactor for the gamma‑carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X in the liver. This enzymatic modification enables the factors to bind calcium ions, a prerequisite for the assembly of functional clotting complexes that generate thrombin and ultimately form a stable fibrin clot, thereby restoring normal hemostasis.

Adverse reactions to Kanavit may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Injection site pain: mild discomfort at the site of administration.
• Redness or swelling: localized erythema and edema at the injection site.
• Headache: transient mild to moderate head pain.
• Nausea: occasional feeling of queasiness after dosing.
• Fever: low‑grade temperature rise within 24 hours.
• Dizziness: brief episodes of light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic reaction: severe allergic response requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure following injection.
• Thrombosis: formation of abnormal clots in veins or arteries.
• Hemolysis: destruction of red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
• Serum sickness: immune‑mediated reaction presenting with rash, fever and arthralgia.

Before using Kanavit, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Assess vitamin K status: evaluate baseline coagulation before use.
• Monitor coagulation parameters: check INR or PT after administration.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: do not give to patients with documented allergy to vitamin K.
• Use cautiously in thrombosis risk: consider patient history of clotting disorders.
• Do not mix with incompatible solutions: ensure proper diluent and administration technique.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Kanavit may interact with other agents that affect coagulation or vitamin K metabolism.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: concurrent use may diminish anticoagulant effect and require dose adjustment.
• Other vitamin K products: combined use can cause excess vitamin K leading to hypercoagulability.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Heparin: additive anticoagulant effect may increase bleeding risk.
• Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): monitor for altered bleeding profile.
• Broad‑spectrum antibiotics: may affect gut flora and vitamin K levels, requiring observation.