<p>Vitamin K1 is an essential co-factor in the hepatic synthesis of prothrombin (factor II) and other blood clotting factors (factor VII, IX, X). Vitamin K1 does not readily cross the placenta barrier from mother to child and is poorly excreted in breast milk. Low levels at birth may lead to the development of the hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Administration of Phytomenadione promotes the synthesis of essential coagulation factors in the liver and minimizes the risk of Vitamin K1 Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). After oral administration of Phytomenadione, it is absorbed from small intestine and taken up by the liver, even in the absence of biliary and pancreatic secretions. Its plasma half-life is 2-3 hours.</p>