Vitamin K (Formulary)

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Therapy notes

• For reversal of warfarin anticoagulation seek advice from Consultant Haematologist.
• Vitamin K is used in patients with abnormal coagulation due to vitamin K deficiency or in patients on warfarin who are bleeding or who have a high INR. 
• It may take up to 6 to 12 hours to act. 
• The dose and route of administration depends on the indication; if in doubt, discuss with the Consultant Haematologist. 
• Prothrombin complex  is used in addition to vitamin K in patients who are bleeding and on warfarin or who are anticoagulated and requiring urgent surgery.  It provides temporary but immediate reversal of anticoagulation and can be obtained from the Blood Transfusion Service on the authorisation of a Haematologist.