Drug name: Warfarin
Other names used:
- Coumadin®
- Jantoven®
- Marevan®
- Waran®
Active Ingredients:
- Warfarin
Therapeutic effects of Warfarin: Warfarin is categorized into the class of drugs called anticoagulants or blood thinners. The effect is achieved by stopping the Vitamin-K dependant blood-coagulation factors ((II, VII, IX and X) and proteins C and S in the liver. Even though it does not act on already formed clots, it prevents the growth and formation of new clots or thrombs.
Indications: Warfarin tablets are used to treat:
- Pulmonary thromboembolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Most common type of arrhythmia (Atrial fibrillation)
- Heart attack (myocordial infarction)
- In prosthetic Heart Valves
Precautions and Restrictions: Do not use Warfarin tablets under the following conditions:
- Severe bleeding due to any disease
- Condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and attach to a damaged portion of the inner lining of the heart (Bacterial endocarditis)
- Acute liver failure
- Obstructive jaundice
- Consumptive coagulopathy
- Deficiency of C and S proteins
- Bleeding tendency
- Thrombocytopenia
- Ulcers of the duodenum and stomach
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Chronic alcoholic
- Recently underwent a surgical procedure
- Children
- Pregnancy
- Increased sensitivity to the ingredients of this medicine
Warfarin and other blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding, so your doctor would put you under periodic supervision to monitor your blood coagulation system. If you experience any problem of the digestive system you should immediately inform your doctor.
Side effects of Warfarin: The use of Warfarin tablets may cause some side effects, but it is not certain that these side effects will affect every user of this drug. Some of the potential side effects of Warfarin include the following:
- Problems of the blood coagulation system such as bleedings
- Reactions of the cardiovascular system such as problems in blood circulation in extremities and internals (in rare cases)
- Problems in the digestive system such as poor liver function, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting or urge to vomit
- Various allergic reactions such as dermatitis, itching, hives, etc
- Other side effects includes loss of hair, weakness, and fever
The above mentioned side effects are by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Interactions: If you are contemplating on using Warfarin then it is very important to consult a doctor and apprise him of the treatment or medication you are currently under and also get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug. This is to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe.
The effect of Warfarin increases when it is taken with the following medicines: Allopurinol, amiodarone, anabolic steroids ,heparin, glibenclamide, glucagon, levamisole, clarithromycin, diazoline, disulfiram, danazol, diazoxide, disopyramide, isoniaside, ketoconazole, clofibrate, metronidazole, miconazole, nalidixic acid, nilutamid, chinine, tamoxifen, thyroxin, chinine, chinidine, fluconazole, chloramphenicole, cimetidine, laxatives, dipiridamole ethanol.
The therapeutic effect of Warfarin is reduced when diuretics, barbiturates, K, glutetimid, griseofulvin, dicloxacillin, carbamazepine, mianserin, retinoid, rifampicin, sucralfate, phenazone, colestiramin are taken. Smoking too reduces the effect of Warfarin.
Warfarin may also react with the following:
- Lipid lowering agents (fibrates, statins such as lovastatin and simvastatin)
- Medicines used for stomach ulcers such as cimetidine, omeprazole, ranitidine
- Non-steroidal agents (Acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], celecoxib); acetaminophen; (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
- Azithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, cephalosorins
Additional Information: Warfarin tablets should not be used without prior approval of a trained physician. Do not share these drugs with anybody else. Warfarin tablets are made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use them for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.
