Pharmacy
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a vitamin used by the body to help the blood clot and prevent bleeding.
Why does my baby need vitamin K?
All newborn babies are known to have low levels of vitamin K, therefore require supplementation with vitamin K to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
How will my baby receive vitamin K?
In South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust all babies will be given 1mg of vitamin K soon after delivery.
Babies who are formula fed will not require vitamin K as additional vitamin K is already added to formula milk.
Levels of vitamin K are low in breast milk therefore additional vitamin K supplementation is required for 3 months for exclusively breastfed babies. This is usually in the form of NeoKay Oral Drops. 0.25mL provides 50 micrograms of vitamin K.
What are NeoKay oral drops?
NeoKay oral drops are a form of vitamin K supplement designed for new-born babies. They contain vitamin K.
How should NeoKay oral drops be given?
NeoKay Oral Drops are given orally to babies.
They should be given once a day ideally before or after feeds.
- Shake the bottle
- Fill the dropper to the mark that shows 0.25mL
- Administer 0.25mL
- Replace the lid securely
Storage
NeoKay Oral Drops should be stored in a cool dry place, protected from light in the original container.
When can NeoKay oral drops be stopped?
NeoKay Drops are to be given for 3 months (until the bottle is empty).
If you stop breastfeeding and use formula milk, NeoKay drops will no longer be needed.
What if I break or drop the bottle?
If you drop, break or lose the bottle please contact the pharmacy department at;
James Cook University Hospital
Telephone: 01642 854780
Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
Telephone: 01609 763153
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]