The safety of intravenously administered vitamin K

Abstract

Literature sources suggest that iv vitamin K is associated with significant adverse side effects. Systematic study and documentation is lacking. In this 2-y retrospective review, 100 sequential doses of iv administered vitamin K in 45 patients were identified by computer-generated pharmacy utilization reports in an adult teaching hospital. Charts were reviewed for complications following infusion of vitamin K, including specific abnormalities during the 90-min period post-administration: systolic blood pressure <90, heart rate <60 or >120, rash, shortness of breath, and syncope. Complete post-administration data were available for 60/100 doses. One episode of clinically insignificant transient hypotension was identified. Progress notes, discharge summaries and a concurrent survey of adverse drug reaction reports identified no complications related to the use of iv vitamin K. In this series, the iv administration of vitamin K did not pose a clinically significant risk.