CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Fergus Allerton,
Medication: Vitamin K1
Your cat has been prescribed vitamin K1 either because your pet is deficient in vitamin K1 due to disease, or more likely because your pet has eaten rat/rodent poison.
Key points: • Keep your pet quiet and calm whilst on this treatment. Your pet is at risk of bruising and bleeding easily and so it is important to avoid knocks or injuries. • Dosage: as prescribed by your veterinarian.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Vitamin K1 (vit-ah-min Kay).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing Vitamin K1.
Class of medication
- Vitamin.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed vitamin K1?
Animals require vitamin K for the synthesis of a chemical called prothrombin, which is produced in the liver. Prothrombin is essential for blood clotting. Signs of vitamin K or prothrombin deficiency include bleeding, bruising, and anemia. Some diseases can result in vitamin K deficiency, such as liver disease, gall bladder disease and fat malabsorption, but more commonly vitamin K deficiency occurs secondary to ingestion of rat poison containing warfarin or dicoumarol or another anticoagulant agent. These poisons act against vitamin K, and so prevent blood from clotting. Vitamin K is not stored in the body, so animals that have not been eating properly may also be deficient and may also require supplementation.
How is the medication given?
Vitamin K1 is given orally as a tablet or liquid. Dosage is usually once or twice daily but your veterinarian will advise the correct dose for your pet. Tablets/liquid are best administered with fatty food (as vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin). Check with your veterinarian which food to use, as some patients may need to avoid fatty food (especially if prone to pancreatitis).
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
If your pet appears to have any side-effects from their medication, then speak to your veterinarian straight away. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is on any other medications, including home remedies or herbal preparations as these may interact with vitamin K.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Vitamin K1 should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused vitamin K1 safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Do not save vitamin K1 for future use or give to other pets. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally overdose your pet with vitamin K1 then let your veterinarian know straight away, as overdose can be serious, and your pet may require veterinary attention. Overdose is generally more serious in cats than dogs.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Vitamin K1 should only be given to the pet that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. Overdose of vitamin K can cause life-threatening anemia in cats. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on vitamin K1?
Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly to ensure that the drug is working safely and to comply with prescribing regulations.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on vitamin K1 can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
