Warfarin is useful for prevent or address clotting Anemia which can cause blockages in blood vessels. These drugs must be taken regularly and under the supervision of a doctor.
Warfarin inhibits the action of vitamin K, which is one of the main factors in the blood clotting process. It is used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism, minor stroke (transient ischemic attack/TIA), or blockage of veins due to blood clots (venous thrombosis).
Warfarin is also used to prevent the onset of blood vessel blockages and embolisms in people who are at high risk of developing them, such as people with rheumatic heart disease, someone with an artificial heart valve, or someone with atrial fibrillation.
Trademarks of warfarin: Simarc 2, Notisil 5, Notisil 2, Warfarin, Warfarin Sodium Clathrate
What is Warfarin
| Class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticoagulants |
| Benefits | Prevent and treat blood clots |
| Consumed by | Adults |
| Warfarin for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Experimental animal and human studies have shown fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category are not approved for use by women who are or may become pregnant. Warfarin may be slightly absorbed into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. |
| Medication form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Warfarin
Note the following before taking warfarin:
- Do not take warfarin if you are allergic to this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or do suffer from vascular disorders such as aneurysms, alcoholism, mental or mood disorders, memory disorders, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have or do have a blood disorder such as anemia or hemophilia, or a bleeding disorder, such as gastrointestinal or cerebral hemorrhage.
- Tell the doctor if you have recently undergone surgery, recently suffered a major injury, fall frequently, or are frequently injured.
- Notify your doctor if you are taking or will be taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal products, in anticipation of drug interactions.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on warfarin-related medication, as it may increase your risk of gastric bleeding.
- Tell your doctor or healthcare provider that you are taking warfarin if you are planning to have an injection into a muscle, for example for a vaccine. Ensure that the injection into the muscle is given into the arm so that the possibility of bleeding can be better anticipated.
- Avoid activities such as exercise and sports, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Tell the doctor that you have a bleeding problem.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking warfarin if you are planning to undergo surgery, including dental surgery.
- Use condoms or other contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, from the start of taking warfarin until 1 month after taking the drug, because this drug increases the risk of fetal disability.
Dose and Dressing Rules of Warfarin
The starting dose of warfarin is 5-10 mg per day, for the first 1-2 days. Maintenance dose is 3-9 mg per day, depending on the results of the Blood Lack test during routine evaluation.
How to Take Warfarin Correctly
Be sure to follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking warfarin.
Do not reduce the dose or stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Warfarin can be taken before or after meals.
Consume warfarin before or after meals.
Consume warfarin regularly at the same time every day for maximum effect. If you forget to take it, take it as soon as you remember if it is within the same day. If it is the next day, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose of the drug.
Store warfarin in a sealed container in a dry and cool place. Keep this medication out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.
Warfarin Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if warfarin is used with certain medications:
- Increased risk of potentially fatal bleeding if used in association with fibrinolytic drugs, such as alteplase or streptokinase
- Increased risk of bleeding if used in conjunction with other anticoagulants, such as argatroban, dabigatran, or heparin; antiplatelets, such as aspirin, cilostazol, or clopidogrel; NSAIDs, such as celecoxib, diclofenac, or ibuprofen; or SSRIs antidepressants, such as citalopram or paroxetine
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- Increased risk of gallbladder and liver disorders if used in conjunction with ticlopidine
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with amiodarone, capecitabine, cotrimoxazole, acyclovir, ciprofloxacin, alprazolam, or atorvastatin
- Decreased effectiveness of warfarin if used in conjunction with carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, efavirenz, or sofosbuvir
- Decreased or increased effectiveness of warfarin if used in conjunction with prednisone
In addition to medications, certain foods or drinks may also interact with warfarin. Avoid consumption of cranberry juice or pomegranate while on treatment with warfarin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
In addition, associated foods and beverages with high vitamin K content, such as liver, leafy green vegetables, and green tea may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. Reduce your intake of the above foods while you are taking warfarin. Consult a nutritionist if necessary.
Side Effects and Dangers of Warfarin
Side effects that may occur after taking warfarin include:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Mild skin rash
- Hair loss
- Bleeding gums after brushing teeth
- Body bruises easily, and bruises take longer to fade
- Nosebleeds (not occasional and last <10 minutes)
- Bleeding from injury takes longer to stop
- Menstrual blood is more abundant or the duration of menstruation is excessively longer than usual
Check with your doctor if the above side effects persist or become more severe. You should also seek medical attention if an allergic reaction to the drug occurs or serious side effects appear, such as:
- Nosebleed for more than 10 minutes
- Blood continues to flow from the wound
- Enlarged bruises
- Vomiting blood
- Red temples or black feces
- Bleeding in the head region, which can be characterized by a very severe headache, seizures, sudden visual disturbances, or weakness and numbness on one side of the body
