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2D Structure
Also known as: Phylloquinone, Phytonadione, 84-80-0, Phytomenadione, Phytylmenadione, 3-phytylmenadione
Molecular Formula
C31H46O2
Molecular Weight
450.7  g/mol
InChI Key
MBWXNTAXLNYFJB-NKFFZRIASA-N
FDA UNII
MLF3D1712D

A family of phylloquinones that contains a ring of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and an isoprenoid side chain. Members of this group of vitamin K 1 have only one double bond on the proximal isoprene unit. Rich sources of vitamin K 1 include green plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. Vitamin K1 has antihemorrhagic and prothrombogenic activity.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
2-methyl-3-[(E,7R,11R)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C31H46O2/c1-22(2)12-9-13-23(3)14-10-15-24(4)16-11-17-25(5)20-21-27-26(6)30(32)28-18-7-8-19-29(28)31(27)33/h7-8,18-20,22-24H,9-17,21H2,1-6H3/b25-20+/t23-,24-/m1/s1
2.1.3 InChI Key
MBWXNTAXLNYFJB-NKFFZRIASA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1=C(C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C1=O)CC=C(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)C
2.1.5 Isomeric SMILES
CC1=C(C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C1=O)C/C=C(\C)/CCC[C@H](C)CCC[C@H](C)CCCC(C)C
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
MLF3D1712D
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Aquamephyton

2. Konakion

3. Phyllohydroquinone

4. Phylloquinone

5. Phytomenadione

6. Phytonadione

7. Vitamin K 1

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Phylloquinone

2. Phytonadione

3. 84-80-0

4. Phytomenadione

5. Phytylmenadione

6. 3-phytylmenadione

7. Aquamephyton

8. Konakion

9. Mephyton

10. Monodion

11. Phyllochinon

12. Synthex P

13. 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone

14. Kinadion

15. Vitamink1

16. Mono-kay

17. Combinal K1

18. Kativ N

19. Alpha-phylloquinone

20. Trans-phylloquinone

21. K-ject

22. Fitomenadiona

23. Phyllochinonum

24. Phytomenadionum

25. Phytonadionum

26. Aqua Mephyton

27. Antihemorrhagic Vitamin

28. Vitamin K 1

29. Fitomenadione

30. Aqua-mephytin

31. Kephton

32. 79083-00-4

33. 2',3'-trans-vitamin K1

34. 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthochinon

35. 11104-38-4

36. Vitamin K

37. Phylloquinone E-form

38. 2-methyl-3-[(2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl]naphthalene-1,4-dione

39. Chebi:18067

40. 2-methyl-3-[(e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione

41. Nsc 270681

42. Nsc-270681

43. S5z3u87qhf

44. 2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione

45. 1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-methyl-3-phytyl-

46. Phythyl-menadion

47. Mlf3d1712d

48. Phytonadione, (e)-(+/-)-

49. 1,4-naphthalenedione,2-methyl-3-[(2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-yl]-

50. Dsstox_cid_3472

51. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-, (r-(r*,r*-(e)))-

52. 2-methyl-3-((7r,11r,e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

53. Dsstox_rid_77041

54. Dsstox_gsid_23472

55. Vitamin K1-18o(mixture Of 1-18o And 4-18o)

56. Orakay

57. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-

58. 2-methyl-3-[(2e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl]naphthoquinone

59. 2-methyl-3-phythyl-1,4-naphthochinon

60. Cas-84-80-0

61. Rel-2-methyl-3-((7r,11r,e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

62. Phytonadione, K1

63. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-, [r-[r*,r*-(e)]]-

64. Phyllochinon [german]

65. Fitomenadione [dcit]

66. Vitamin K1 (van)

67. Phytonadione [usp:jan]

68. Unii-s5z3u87qhf

69. Fitomenadiona [inn-spanish]

70. Phytomenadionum [inn-latin]

71. Kanavit

72. Neokay

73. A-phylloquinone

74. Konakion Mm

75. Konakion Mm Paed

76. Hsdb 3162

77. Vitamin K1 Oil

78. (e)-phytonadione

79. 2-methyl-3-((7r,11r,e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

80. Ncgc00159423-02

81. Trans-phytomenadione

82. Einecs 201-564-2

83. Einecs 234-330-3

84. Einecs 279-052-3

85. Mfcd00214063

86. Vitamin K1, 11

87. Vitamin K1 (generic)

88. Vitamin K1 ,(s)

89. Phytonadione [jan]

90. 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthochinon [german]

91. Schembl3882

92. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)

93. Vitamin K1, Viscous Liquid

94. Chembl1550

95. Unii-mlf3d1712d

96. Phytonadione, (e)-

97. Phylloquinone, (e)-

98. Mls001074732

99. Bidd:gt0793

100. Phytomenadione, (e)-

101. Schembl351365

102. Vitamin K1 (e-phytonadione)

103. 2-methyl-3-[(2e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl]naphthoquinone #

104. Dtxsid8023472

105. Bdbm24782

106. [r-[r*,r*-(e)]]-2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-1,4-napthalenedione

107. [r-[r*,r*-(e)]]-2-methyl-3-(3-7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione

108. Phylloquinone E-form [mi]

109. Hms2094g09

110. Hms2270j10

111. Pharmakon1600-01505485

112. 10485-69-5

113. Hy-n0684

114. Zinc3831332

115. Tox21_111655

116. Bdbm50553259

117. Lmpr02030028

118. Nsc760373

119. S4698

120. 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-napthoquinone

121. Akos015841892

122. Tox21_111655_1

123. Ccg-213568

124. Cs-6376

125. Db01022

126. Nsc-760373

127. (r*,r*-(e))-(1)-2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone

128. Ncgc00159423-03

129. Phylloquinone (k1), Analytical Standard

130. Ac-34846

131. As-13734

132. Smr000112043

133. Sbi-0206926.p001

134. Trans-phytomenadione 100 Microg/ml In Ethanol

135. Ab00698065_04

136. 214v063

137. A840928

138. Q186093

139. Sr-05000001941

140. C31h46o2 (2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone)

141. Q-201934

142. Sr-05000001941-1

143. W-108488

144. 2-methyl-3-((7r,11r,e)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec

145. 84c51b31-3ce2-476b-be66-a84bdd46a513

146. Vitamin K1; 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone

147. Phytomenadione, European Pharmacopoeia (ep) Reference Standard

148. Phytonadione, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

149. 2-methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-1,4-naphthalened- Ione

150. Vitamin K1 Solution, 10 Mug/ml In Ethanol, Certified Reference Material

151. Vitamin K1, Bioxtra, >=99.0% (sum Of Isomers, Hplc), Mixtur Of Isomers

152. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-((2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-yl)-

153. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-((2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-

154. Phytonadione, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

155. 1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-methyl-3-((2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-yl)-, Rel-

156. 2-methyl-3-((2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione

157. 2-methyl-3-[(2e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl]-1,4-dihydronaphthalene-1,4-dione

158. 2-methyl-3-[(e,7r,11r)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione;vitamin K1

159. Vitamin K1-13c6 Solution, 5 Mug/ml In Ethanol, Certified Reference Material, Ampule Of 1 Ml

2.4 Create Date
2004-09-16
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 450.7 g/mol
Molecular Formula C31H46O2
XLogP310.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count2
Rotatable Bond Count14
Exact Mass450.349780706 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass450.349780706 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area34.1 Ų
Heavy Atom Count33
Formal Charge0
Complexity696
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count2
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count1
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 4  
Drug NamePhytonadione
Drug LabelPhytonadione is a vitamin, which is a clear, yellow to amber, viscous, odorless or 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...
Active IngredientPhytonadione
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength1mg/0.5ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyIntl Medication

2 of 4  
Drug NameVitamin k1
PubMed HealthPhytonadione
Drug ClassesNutriceutical, Nutritive Agent
Drug LabelPhytonadione is a vitamin, which is a clear, yellow to amber, viscous, odorless or 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...
Active IngredientPhytonadione
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength1mg/0.5ml; 10mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyHospira

3 of 4  
Drug NamePhytonadione
Drug LabelPhytonadione is a vitamin, which is a clear, yellow to amber, viscous, odorless or 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...
Active IngredientPhytonadione
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength1mg/0.5ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyIntl Medication

4 of 4  
Drug NameVitamin k1
PubMed HealthPhytonadione
Drug ClassesNutriceutical, Nutritive Agent
Drug LabelPhytonadione is a vitamin, which is a clear, yellow to amber, viscous, odorless or 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...
Active IngredientPhytonadione
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength1mg/0.5ml; 10mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyHospira

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Antifibrinolytic Agents

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 1999)


THE RATIONAL THERAPEUTIC USE OF VITAMIN K IS BASED ON ITS ABILITY TO CORRECT BLEEDING TENDENCY OR HEMORRHAGE ASSOC WITH ITS DEFICIENCY. A DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN K & ITS ATTENDANT DEFICIENCY OF PROTHROMBIN & RELATED CLOTTING FACTORS CAN RESULT FROM INADEQUATE INTAKE, ABSORPTION, OR UTILIZATION OF VITAMIN, OR AS A CONSEQUENCE OF ACTION OF THE ACTION OF A VITAMIN K ANTAGONIST. /VITAMIN K/

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1785


BLEEDING THAT ACCOMPANIES OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE OR BILIARY FISTULA RESPONDS PROMPTLY TO ADMINISTRATION OF VITAMIN K. ORAL PHYTONADIONE ADMIN WITH BILE SALTS IS BOTH SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE USED IN THE CARE OF THE JAUNDICED PATIENT, BOTH PREOPERATIVELY & POSTOPERATIVELY.

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1785


IF FOR SOME REASON ORAL ADMIN IS NOT FEASIBLE /IN TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE OR BILIARY FISTULA/, A PARENTERAL PREPN SHOULD BE USED.

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1785


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for PHYTONADIONE (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Warning

IN PT WHO HAVE SEVERE HEPATIC DISEASE, ADMIN OF LARGE DOSES OF MENADIONE OR PHYLLOQUINONE MAY FURTHER DEPRESS FUNCTION OF LIVER.

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1784


Maternal Medication usually Compatible with Breast-Feeding: K1 (vitamin): Reported Sign or Symptom in Infant or Effect on Lactation: None. /from Table 6/

Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs in Pediatrics 93 (1): 141 (1994)


A rare hypersensitivity-like reaction, which has occasionally resulted in death, has been reported after intravenous administration of phytonadione, especially when administration is rapid.

MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 22nd ed. Volume 1. MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care, Greenwood Village, CO. 2002. Content Reviewed and Approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., p. 2957


In newborns, especially premature infants, mendiol sodium diphosphate has been associated with hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and kernicterus because of immature hepatic function in these infants. There is less risk with phytonadione, unless high doses are given.

MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 22nd ed. Volume 1. MICROMEDEX Thomson Health Care, Greenwood Village, CO. 2002. Content Reviewed and Approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., p. 2957


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for PHYTONADIONE (21 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

Oral phylloquinone is indicated to treat prothrombin deficiency caused by coumarin or indanedione derivatives; and hypoprothrombinemia secondary to antibacterial therapy, salicylates, or obstructive jaundice or biliary fistulas with concomitant bile salt administration. Parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous) phylloquinone is indicated to treat coagulation disorders due to faulty formation of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X caused by vitamin K deficiency or some interference with vitamin K activity. These indications include the above indications as well as hypoprothrombinemia secondary to sprue, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, intestinal resection, pancreatic cystic fibrosis, or regional enteritis; or hypoprothrombinemia caused by interference with vitamin k metabolism.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Phylloquinone is a vitamin K indicated in the treatment of coagulation disorders due to faulty formation of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X caused by deficiency or interference in the activity of vitamin K. It has a long duration of action as vitamin K is cycled in the body, and a wide therapeutic index as large doses can be tolerated. Patients should have their prothrombin time monitored during therapy and healthcare professionals should be aware of the increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions with parenteral administration.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Antifibrinolytic Agents

Agents that prevent fibrinolysis or lysis of a blood clot or thrombus. Several endogenous antiplasmins are known. The drugs are used to control massive hemorrhage and in other coagulation disorders. (See all compounds classified as Antifibrinolytic Agents.)


Vitamins

Organic substances that are required in small amounts for maintenance and growth, but which cannot be manufactured by the human body. (See all compounds classified as Vitamins.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Pharmacological Classes
Reversed Anticoagulation Activity [PE]; Vitamin K [CS]; Vitamin K [EPC]; Warfarin Reversal Agent [EPC]; Increased Prothrombin Activity [PE]
5.4 ATC Code

B02BA01

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


B - Blood and blood forming organs

B02 - Antihemorrhagics

B02B - Vitamin k and other hemostatics

B02BA - Vitamin k

B02BA01 - Phytomenadione


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

A 4 g oral dose of phylloquinone is 13% 9% bioavailable, with a Tmax of 4.7 0.8 hours. 1.5 0.8 nmol is found in the plasma compartment, and 3.6 3.4 nmol is found in the second compartment. A 10 mg intramuscular phylloquinone dose is 89.2% 25.4% bioavailable. The same dose reaches a mean Cmax of 67 30 ng/mL, with a mean Tmax of 9.2 6.6 hours, and an AUC of 1700 500 h\*ng/mL. A 10 mg intravenous phylloquinone dose has a mean AUC of 1950 450 h\*ng/mL.


Route of Elimination

Intravenous phylloquinone is 36% eliminated in the feces in 5 days and 22% recovered in urine in 3 days.


Volume of Distribution

The steady state volume of distribution of phylloquinone is 20 6 L in subjects who are also taking phenprocoumon therapy.


Clearance

Intravenous phylloquinone is 90% cleared in 2 hours, and 99% cleared in 8 hours. A 10 mg intravenous dose of phylloquinone has a mean clearance of 91 24 mL/min.


Little is known about the excretion of vitamin K. High fecal concentrations of vitamin K probably result from bacterial synthesis in the intestine.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2002. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2002 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3566


Although the drug may be concentrated in the liver for a short time after absorption, only small amounts of phytonadione are stored in body tissues.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2002. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2002 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3566


Phytonadione is absorbed from the GI tract only in the presence of bile salts. Radioisotope studies show that absorption occurs via intestinal lymph. There is some evidence that absorption of phytonadione across the GI mucosa is a saturable, energy-dependent process that occurs in the proximal small intestine.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service- Drug Information 2002. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2002 (Plus Supplements)., p. 3566


Fat-soluble vit...k...absorbed from skin... /vit k/

Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology Volume 1. General Principles. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991., p. 139


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for PHYTONADIONE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Phylloquinone's phytyl side chain is omega hydroxylated by CYP4F2. The side chain is then cleaved to 5 or 7 carbons long, and then glucuronidated prior to elimination. Vitamin Ks in general undergo a cycle of reduction to vitamin K hydroquinone by vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), oxidation to vitamin K epoxide by gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, and converted back to vitamin K by VKOR.


...In experimental animals...phylloquinone...can be converted to more potent menaquinone series. Whether this can occur in man and of what significance these transformations are to action of phylloquinone...are still unknown.

Goodman, L.S., and A. Gilman. (eds.) The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1975., p. 1593


In animals treated with warfarin, major fraction of phylloquinone is metabolized to phylloquinone oxide.

Goodman, L.S., and A. Gilman. (eds.) The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1975., p. 1593


Phytonadione is rapidly metabolized to more polar metabolites, which are excreted in the bile and urine. The major urinary metabolites result from shortening of the side chain to five or seven carbon atoms, yielding carboxylic acids that are conjugated with glucuronate prior to excretion. Treatment with a coumarin-type anticoagulant results in a marked increase in the amount of phytonadione-2,3-epoxide in the liver and blood. Such treatment also increases the urinary excretion of phytonadione metabolites, primarily degradative products of phytonadione-2,3-epoxide. The biliary metabolites of phytonadione have not been identified.

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1784


The liver plays an exclusive role in the metabolic transformations leading to the elimination of vitamin K from the body. After intravenous doses of 45 ug to 1 mg (3)H-phylloquinone, about 20% of the radiolabel was excreted in the urine within three days, and 35-50% was excreted as metabolites in the feces via the bile.

IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V76 461-2 (2000)


5.7 Biological Half-Life

Intravenous phylloquinone has an initial half life of 22 minutes, followed by a half life of 125 minutes.


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Vitamin K is a cofactor of gamma-carboxylase. Gamma carboxylase attaches carboxylic acid functional groups to glutamate, allowing precursors of factors II, VII, IX, and X to bind calcium ions. Binding of calcium ions converts these clotting factors to their active form, which are then secreted from hepatocytes into the blood, restoring normal clotting function. Vitamin K may also carboxylate matrix proteins in chondrocytes, inhibiting calcification of joints, and may increase type II collagen. The role of vitamin K in osteroarthritis, bone density, and vascular calcification is currently under investigation.


Vit k is necessary for formation of prothrombinogen & other blood clotting factors in liver. During clotting, circulating prothrombin is required for production of thrombin; in turn, thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin, network of which constitutes clot. /vit k/

Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 943


In normal animals and man, phyltonadione ... /is/ virtually devoid of pharmacodynamic activity. In Animals and man deficient in vitamin k, the pharmacological action of vitamin k is identical to its normal physiological function, that is, to promote hepatic biosynthesis of prothrombin (factor ii), proconvertin (factor vii), plasma thromboplastin component (ptc, christmas factor, factor ix), and Stuart factor (factor x).

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 1783


On the basis of studies of microsomal metabolism in vitro and studies in rats and mice in vivo, /it was suggested/ that vitamin K may be mutagenic by affecting the mixed-function oxidase system which metabolizes benzo(a)pyrene. Phylloquinone at a high concentration (200 umol/l) inhibited the conversion of benzo(a)pyrene to its more polar metabolites, ... . Paradoxically, at a lower concentration of phylloquinone (25 umol/l), ... the metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene was increased. In this system, therefore, .... phylloquinone could either potentiate or inhibit it, depending on the concentration. This overall weaker inhibitory effect of phylloquinone could be due to the low solubility of this lipophilic compound, but it is difficult to explain the mechanism of the enhanced metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene at lower concentrations of phylloquinone.

IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972-PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at: https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php, p. V76 472 (2000)