Anaphylactic Shock Following Intravenous Vitamin K 1

Aim: To describe a case of anaphylactic shock following the intravenous administration of vitamin K 1 Clinical features: A 64‐year‐old male was admitted to intensive care following repair of an aortic abdominal aneurysm. Intravenous amiodarone, ceftriaxone, vancomycin and metronidazole were commenced without incident. During the administration of intravenous vitamin K 1 (phytomenadione, Konakion) the patient developed a rash, hypotension and severe bronchospasm. Outcome: The patient recovered following paralysis, manual ventilation, and standard medication for anaphylaxis. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of vitamin K 1 and other drugs solubilised with polyoxyl 35 castor oil occasionally causes severe anaphylactic shock. A new colloidal formulation may reduce the hazards of intravenous vitamin K 1 administration. Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 146–7.