Vitacon is a drug containing phytomenadione (fat-soluble vitamin K1) with anti-haemorrhagic properties. The use of this preparation may contribute to a significant reduction of the prothrombin time (the so-called PT, which determines the efficiency of the extrinsic coagulation system, i.e. dependent on specific coagulation factors occurring outside the blood vessels) and supplementing the level of vitamin K in the body.
Vitamin K – properties
Vitamin K plays an important role primarily in blood clottingby reducing excessive menstrual bleeding, among other things. In addition, vitamin K can also inhibit the growth of neoplasms, it significantly affects not only the calcium metabolism and proper bone calcification, but also the uptake of calcium by the bones. Vitamin K it also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Vitamin K – deficiency effects
Vitamin K deficiency in adults, it can occur in the case of severe intestinal and liver diseases and with long-term treatment with antibiotics. Absorption vitamin K inhibit drugs that lower blood cholesterol. Much lower absorption is also shown by the elderly, people suffering from a heart disease or after a stroke, taking anticoagulants. One of the consequences of the shortage vitamin K there may be osteoporosis.
Vitacon – application
Look at Vitacon one can apply in the following cases:
- in coagulation disorders caused by oral anticoagulants from the group of coumarin derivatives (acenocoumarol, warfarin) and indandion derivatives (fenindione), antibacterial drugs destroying the physiological intestinal flora, antibiotics, sulfonamides, salicylates,
- in deficiency of prothrombin (one of the coagulation factors) in the course of mechanical jaundice or biliary fistula,
- in children suffering from diseases that interfere with the absorption of vitamin K1 (chronic diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, bile duct blockage, hepatitis, celiac disease), with liver disease and in malnourished children who received antibiotics.
Vitacon – action
In the composition of the drug Vitacon can be found synthetic vitamin K1which is essential in the synthesis of blood coagulation factors: prothrombin, factor VII, IX and X. It is a coenzyme of the microsomal enzyme responsible for post-translational catalysis and carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in the precursor molecule of the aforementioned coagulation factors. Most probably vitamin K it is also involved in the formation of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues in bone tissue and kidneys. In order for the drug Vitacon has been absorbed, the presence of bile salts is essential.
A contraindication do application the preparation is hypersensitive to its constituent substances. The drug may be applied w pregnancy only in cases where, in the physician’s opinion, the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Take care when using the drug in breastfeeding women.
Use phytomenadione may cause temporary resistance to the effects of oral anticoagulants (coumarin and indandion derivatives).
The information is for reference only. Before using the preparation, read the leaflet that contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult a doctor or pharmacist, because any drug used improperly may be life or health-threatening.