Core pharmacology

Class Group

Anticoagulant Reversal Agents

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 3

Introduction

Fat soluble vitamin

Presentation

Leafy vegetables (K1)
Synthesized in GIT by bacteria (K2)
Can be administered PO or IV

Mechanism of action

Vit K is a cofactor for gamma-carboxylation glutamic residues of Vit K dependent clotting factors (2,7,9,10)

Adverse Effects Toxicity

Flushing, hypotension
Warfarin reversal

Absorption

- PO requires bile (fat soluble). Onset at 6 hours, max 24hours
- IV onset 2 hours, maximal effect at 12 hours

Excretion

Elimination: Urine and feces