Vitamin k is a fat soluble vitamin that helps blood clot properly. Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults because bacteria found in the intestines can make the vitamin. Infants are at increased risk for vitamin K deficiency because they are born without enough bacteria in the gut. Vitamin K is often administered to infants immediately after birth so as to prevent severe bleeding problems. Some infants may experience adverse effects after they receive vitamin K.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Infants who are allergic to ingredients in vitamin K tablets or injections may experience severe allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergic reactions in infants include problems breathing, hives, rashes, swelling of the mouth, lips, face or tongue, a blue tinge to the skin and a weak pulse or rapid pulse.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Infants who receive high doses of vitamin K may experience hyperbilirubinemia, or increased bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is created during the recycling of old red bllood cells. Vitamin K causes destruction of red blood cells, which leads to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Increased bilirubin levels may cause yellowing of the skin and eyes in infants.
Other Adverse Effect
Vitamin K may also cause adverse effects such as an enlarged liver, body swelling, decreased movement and low blood pressure in infants. Some infants may also experience skin irritation and infection at the site of intramuscular injection. Some infants may develop permanent nerve damage after a vitamin K injection. Health care providers should be careful during vitamin K administration so as to avoid injuring nerves.
Vitamin K Administration
Infants typically receive a 0.5 mg to 1mg intramuscular injection a few minutes after birth. Oral vitamin K tablets are prescribed to infants who do not receive vitamin K shots. A 2 mg to 4 mg oral vitamin K should be given to infants after their first feeding, then 2 mg at two weeks and again at six weeks, according to Stanford School of Medicine. Higher doses of vitamin K may be necessary if the mother has been receiving oral anticoagulant medication such as coumadin.
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