ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactoid reactions and deaths have been reported following parenteral administration. The majority of these reported events occurred following intravenous administration.Transient flushing sensations and peculiar sensations of taste have been observed with parenteral phytonadione, as well as rare instances of dizziness, rapid and weak pulse, profuse sweating, brief hypotension, dyspnea, and cyanosis.Hyperbilirubinemia has been observed in the newborn following administration of parenteral phytonadione. This has occurred rarely and primarily with doses above those recommended.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies of carcinogenicity or impairment of fertility have not been performed with MEPHYTON. MEPHYTON at concentrations up to 2000 mcg/plate with or without metabolic activation, was negative in the Ames microbial mutagen test.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. MEPHYTON tablets possess the same type and degree of activity as does naturally-occurring vitamin K, which is necessary for the production via the liver of active prothrombin (factor II), proconvertin (factor VII), plasma thromboplastin component (factor IX), and Stuart factor (factor X). The prothrombin test is sensitive to the levels of three of these four factors -- II, VII, and X. Vitamin is an essential cofactor for microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the post-translational carboxylation of multiple, specific, peptide-bound glutamic acid residues in inactive hepatic precursors of factors II, VII, IX, and X. The resulting gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues convert the precursors into active coagulation factors that are subsequently secreted by liver cells into the blood.Oral phytonadione is adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract only if bile salts are present. After absorption, phytonadione is initially concentrated in the liver, but the concentration declines rapidly. Very little vitamin accumulates in tissues. Little is known about the metabolic fate of vitamin K. Almost no free unmetabolized vitamin appears in bile or urine.In normal animals and humans, phytonadione is virtually devoid of pharmacodynamic activity. However, in animals and humans deficient in vitamin K, the pharmacological action of vitamin is related to its normal physiological function; that is, to promote the hepatic biosynthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.MEPHYTON tablets generally exert their effect within to 10 hours.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

CONTRAINDICATIONS. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

DESCRIPTION. Phytonadione is vitamin which is clear, yellow to amber, viscous, and nearly odorless liquid. It is insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform and slightly soluble in ethanol. It has molecular weight of 450.70.Phytonadione is 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone. Its empirical formula is C31H46O2 and its structural formula is:MEPHYTONRegistered trademark of MERCK CO., Inc. COPYRIGHT (C) 1986, 1991, MERCK& CO., Inc. All rights reserved (Phytonadione) tablets containing mg of phytonadione are yellow, compressed tablets, scored on one side. Inactive ingredients are acacia, calcium phosphate, colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, and talc.. Chemical Structure.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. General. Vitamin K1 is fairly rapidly degraded by light; therefore, always protect MEPHYTON from light. Store MEPHYTON in closed original carton until contents have been used. (See also HOW SUPPLIED, Storage.). Drug Interactions. Temporary resistance to prothrombin-depressing anticoagulants may result, especially when larger doses of phytonadione are used. If relatively large doses have been employed, it may be necessary when reinstituting anticoagulant therapy to use somewhat larger doses of the prothrombin-depressing anticoagulant, or to use one which acts on different principle, such as heparin sodium.. Laboratory Tests. Prothrombin time should be checked regularly as clinical conditions indicate.. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Studies of carcinogenicity or impairment of fertility have not been performed with MEPHYTON. MEPHYTON at concentrations up to 2000 mcg/plate with or without metabolic activation, was negative in the Ames microbial mutagen test.. Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with MEPHYTON. It is also not known whether MEPHYTON can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. MEPHYTON should be given to pregnant woman only if clearly needed.. Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established with MEPHYTON. Hemolysis, jaundice, and hyperbilirubinemia in newborns, particularly in premature infants, have been reported with vitamin K.. Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when MEPHYTON is administered to nursing woman.. Geriatric Use. Clinical studies of MEPHYTON did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. MEPHYTONSummary of Dosage Guidelines(See circular text for details)AdultsInitial DosageAnticoagulant-InducedProthrombin Deficiency (caused by coumarin or indanedione derivatives)2.5 mg-10 mg or up to 25 mg (rarely 50 mg)Hypoprothrombinemia dueto other causes (Antibiotics; Salicylates or other drugs;Factors limiting absorption or synthesis)2.5 mg-25 mg or more (rarely up to 50 mg). Anticoagulant-Induced Prothrombin Deficiency in Adults. To correct excessively prolonged prothrombin times caused by oral anticoagulant therapy-- 2.5 to 10 mg or up to 25 mg initially is recommended. In rare instances 50 mg may be required. Frequency and amount of subsequent doses should be determined by prothrombin time response or clinical condition. (See WARNINGS.) If, in 12 to 48 hours after oral administration, the prothrombin time has not been shortened satisfactorily, the dose should be repeated.. Hypoprothrombinemia Due to Other Causes in Adults. If possible, discontinuation or reduction of the dosage of drugs interfering with coagulation mechanisms (such as salicylates, antibiotics) is suggested as an alternative to administering concurrent MEPHYTON. The severity of the coagulation disorder should determine whether the immediate administration of MEPHYTON is required in addition to discontinuation or reduction of interfering drugs.A dosage of 2.5 to 25 mg or more (rarely up to 50 mg) is recommended, the amount and route of administration depending upon the severity of the condition and response obtained.The oral route should be avoided when the clinical disorder would prevent proper absorption. Bile salts must be given with the tablets when the endogenous supply of bile to the gastrointestinal tract is deficient.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

Drug Interactions. Temporary resistance to prothrombin-depressing anticoagulants may result, especially when larger doses of phytonadione are used. If relatively large doses have been employed, it may be necessary when reinstituting anticoagulant therapy to use somewhat larger doses of the prothrombin-depressing anticoagulant, or to use one which acts on different principle, such as heparin sodium.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

General. Vitamin K1 is fairly rapidly degraded by light; therefore, always protect MEPHYTON from light. Store MEPHYTON in closed original carton until contents have been used. (See also HOW SUPPLIED, Storage.).

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

Geriatric Use. Clinical studies of MEPHYTON did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

HOW SUPPLIED. No. 7776 -- Tablets MEPHYTON, mg vitamin K1, are yellow, round, scored, compressed tablets, coded MSD 43 on one side and MEPHYTON on the other. They are supplied as follows:NDC 21695-168-10 bottles of 10.. Storage. Store in tightly closed original container at 25C (77oF); excursions permitted to 15-30C (59-86F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Always protect MEPHYTON from light. Store in tightly closed original container and carton until contents have been used. (See PRECAUTIONS, General.)Merck Co., Inc.Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USAIssued April 2004Printed in USA7918719Repackaged by:Rebel Distributors CorpThousand Oaks, CA 91320.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. MEPHYTON is indicated in the following coagulation disorders which are due to faulty formation of factors II, VII, IX and when caused by vitamin deficiency or interference with vitamin activity.MEPHYTON tablets are indicated in:anticoagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency caused by coumarin or indanedione derivatives;hypoprothrombinemia secondary to antibacterial therapy;hypoprothrombinemia secondary to administration of salicylates;hypoprothrombinemia secondary to obstructive jaundice or biliary fistulas but only if bile salts are administered concurrently, since otherwise the oral vitamin will not be absorbed.. anticoagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency caused by coumarin or indanedione derivatives;. hypoprothrombinemia secondary to antibacterial therapy;. hypoprothrombinemia secondary to administration of salicylates;. hypoprothrombinemia secondary to obstructive jaundice or biliary fistulas but only if bile salts are administered concurrently, since otherwise the oral vitamin will not be absorbed.

LABORATORY TESTS SECTION.

Laboratory Tests. Prothrombin time should be checked regularly as clinical conditions indicate.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when MEPHYTON is administered to nursing woman.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

OVERDOSAGE. The intravenous and oral LD50s in the mouse are approximately 1.17 g/kg and greater than 24.18 g/kg, respectively.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Principal Display Panel. Mephyton 5mg.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established with MEPHYTON. Hemolysis, jaundice, and hyperbilirubinemia in newborns, particularly in premature infants, have been reported with vitamin K.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with MEPHYTON. It is also not known whether MEPHYTON can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. MEPHYTON should be given to pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

Anticoagulant-Induced Prothrombin Deficiency in Adults. To correct excessively prolonged prothrombin times caused by oral anticoagulant therapy-- 2.5 to 10 mg or up to 25 mg initially is recommended. In rare instances 50 mg may be required. Frequency and amount of subsequent doses should be determined by prothrombin time response or clinical condition. (See WARNINGS.) If, in 12 to 48 hours after oral administration, the prothrombin time has not been shortened satisfactorily, the dose should be repeated.

STORAGE AND HANDLING SECTION.

Storage. Store in tightly closed original container at 25C (77oF); excursions permitted to 15-30C (59-86F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Always protect MEPHYTON from light. Store in tightly closed original container and carton until contents have been used. (See PRECAUTIONS, General.)Merck Co., Inc.Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USAIssued April 2004Printed in USA7918719Repackaged by:Rebel Distributors CorpThousand Oaks, CA 91320.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. An immediate coagulant effect should not be expected after administration of phytonadione.Phytonadione will not counteract the anticoagulant action of heparin.When vitamin K1is used to correct excessive anticoagulant-induced hypoprothrombinemia, anticoagulant therapy still being indicated, the patient is again faced with the clotting hazards existing prior to starting the anticoagulant therapy. Phytonadione is not clotting agent, but overzealous therapy with vitamin K1 may restore conditions which originally permitted thromboembolic phenomena. Dosage should be kept as low as possible, and prothrombin time should be checked regularly as clinical conditions indicate.Repeated large doses of vitamin are not warranted in liver disease if the response to initial use of the vitamin is unsatisfactory. Failure to respond to vitamin may indicate congenital coagulation defect or that the condition being treated is unresponsive to vitamin K.