warfarin

What is warfarin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

  • Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant, a drug that inhibits the clotting of blood. It prevents the formation of blood clots by reducing the production of factors by the liver that promote clotting, factors II, VII, IX, and X, and the anticoagulant proteins C and S. The production of these factors by the liver are dependent on adequate amounts of vitamin K. Warfarin reduces the production of the factors because it antagonizes vitamin K. Blood clots can occur in the veins of the lower extremities (deep venous thrombosis [DVT]), often after periods of immobility. These clots can break off and become lodged in the blood vessels of the lung (pulmonary embolism), causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and even life-threatening shock. Blood clots can also occur in the atria of the heart during atrial fibrillation and around artificial heart valves. These clots also can break off and obstruct blood vessels in the brain, causing an embolic stroke with paralysis. Warfarin is important in preventing the formation of blood clots, preventing extension of clots already formed, and minimizing the risk of embolization of blood clots to other vital organs such as the lungs and brain.
  • The FDA approved warfarin in June 1954.

What brand names are available for warfarin?

Coumadin, Jantoven

Is warfarin available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for warfarin?

Yes

What are the uses for warfarin?

  • Warfarin is used in treating patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to prevent extension of the clot, and to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism.
  • Patients with pulmonary embolism are treated with warfarin to prevent further emboli.
  • Warfarin also is used in patients with atrial fibrillation or artificial heart valves to reduce the risk of strokes, and after a heart attack.
  • It also is helpful in preventing blood clots from forming in certain orthopedic surgeries such as knee or hip replacements.
  • Warfarin is used in preventing closure of coronary artery stents due to clotting.

QUESTION

In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See Answer

What are the side effects of warfarin?

The two most serious side effects of warfarin are:

  • Bleeding
  • Necrosis (gangrene) of the skin

Bleeding can occur in any organ or tissue. Bleeding around the brain can cause severe headache and paralysis. Bleeding in the joints can cause joint pain and swelling. Bleeding in the stomach or intestines can cause weakness, fainting spells, black tarry stools, vomiting of blood, or coffee ground material. Bleeding in the kidneys can cause back pain and blood in urine.

Other side effects include:

Signs of overdose include bleeding gums, bruising, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, and prolonged bleeding from cuts.

What is the dosage for warfarin?

  • Warfarin may be taken with or without food.
  • Since warfarin is metabolized (inactivated) by the liver and then excreted by the kidneys, dosages need to be lowered in patients with liver and kidney dysfunction.
  • Frequent blood tests (INR test) are performed to measure the effect of warfarin and to adjust dosing.
  • There are published INR ranges for the various uses of warfarin.
  • Treatment usually is started at 2 to 5 mg once daily and the dose is adjusted based in INR tests.
  • Patients typically require 2 to 10 mg of warfarin daily.

Which drugs or supplements interact with warfarin?

Is warfarin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • Warfarin should be avoided by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant. Birth defects and fetal bleeding have been reported.
  • Available evidence suggests that warfarin is not secreted in breast milk.

What else should I know about warfarin?

What preparations of warfarin are available?

  • Tablets: 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg.
  • Powder for Injection: 5 mg/vial

How should I keep warfarin stored?

Warfarin should be stored at room temperature, 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), in tight, light resistant container.

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Summary

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) is an anticoagulant drug that inhibits the blood from clotting, thus preventing blood clots. It is prescribed for the treatment of patients with deep vein thrombosis, the reduction of pulmonary embolism, and in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attack. Common side effects of warfarin include:

Drug interactions, and warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

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See more info: warfarin on RxList
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information