Hyperbilirubinemia, menadione

Menadione and its water-soluble derivatives are potentially toxic in excess and have been reported to cause hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, central nervous system toxicity, and methemoglobinemia in the newborn. 

Phytonadione is considered relatively nonioxic even at high doses. Rare cases of hemolytic anemia have been reported. and ilie manufacturer has reported anaphylactic reactions following use of the injectable product. Menadione, in contrast, can produce hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and kcmicierus in newborns, especially premature infants. In addition, menadione can cau.se hemolytic anemia in palicnis with glucose-6-pho.sphaic dehydrogenase deficiency." " ... 

The toxicity associated with excessive amounts of vitamin K in humans has not been unequivocally defined, although it has been suggested that excessive doses of one of its forms, menadione, can contribute to the occurrence of hemolytic anemia, jaundice, kemicterus, and hyperbilirubinemia (Worthington-Roberts, 1988). 

Water-soluble menadione can produce anemia, skin irritation, polycythemia, splenomegaly, renal and hepatic damage, and death. Also implicated in hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and kernicterus. Menadione can induce erythrocyte hemolysis in individuals with genetic defect in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. 

Both phylloquinone and the menaquinones appear to be nontoxic, even in multimilligram amounts. However, menadione, the water-soluble form of vitamin K, was found to cause hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and kernicturus in infants when >5 mg was given. Therefore, it is not currently used for human prophylaxis or treatment. 

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