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Mephyton

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is not a disease, but rather a sign that can occur in many different diseases. Jaundice is the yellowish staining of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes) that is caused by high levels in blood of a chemical bilirubin. The color of the skin and the whites of the eyes vary depending on the level of bilirubin. When the bilirubin level is mildly elevated, they are yellowish. When the bilirubin level is high, they tend to be brown.

What causes jaundice?

Bilirubin comes from red blood cells. When red blood cells get old, they are destroyed by the body. Hemoglobin, the iron-containing chemical in the red blood cells that carries oxygen, is released from the destroyed red blood cells after the iron it contains is removed. The chemical that remains in the blood after the iron is removed becomes bilirubin.

The liver has many functions. One of its functions is to produce and secrete bil...

Mephyton

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MEPHYTON®
(phytonadione) Vitamin K1

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Phytonadione is a vitamin which is a clear, yellow to amber, viscous, and nearly odorless liquid. It is insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform and slightly soluble in ethanol. It has a molecular weight of 450.70.

Phytonadione is 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone. Its empirical formula is C31H46O2 and its structural formula is:

MEPHYTON® 
  (Phytonadione) Structural Formula Illustration

MEPHYTON* (Phytonadione) tablets containing 5 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.

What are the possible side effects of phytonadione (Mephyton, Vitamin K1)?

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects from phytonadione such as:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • dizziness;
  • fast or irregular heartbeats; or
  • increased sweating.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use phytonadione and talk to your doctor if you experience

    ...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Mephyton »

What are the precautions when taking phytonadione (Mephyton)?

Before taking vitamin K, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, gallbladder disease (e.g., obstructive jaundice, biliary fistula), liver disease.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Mephyton »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/2/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Mephyton - User Reviews

Mephyton User Reviews

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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