Warfarin is a drug used to treat blood clots in conditions deep vein thrombosis(DVT) or pulmonary embolism. This drug is also used to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation or in patients who have recently undergone heart valve replacement surgery.
Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that works by blocking the formation of proteins that play a role in the blood clotting process. That way, the risk of forming blood clots that cause blockage of blood vessels can be reduced. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Warfarin trademark: Notisil 2, Notisil 5, Rheoxen, Simarc, Warfarin, Warfarin Sodium Clathrate
What is Warfarin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticoagulants |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat blood clots |
| Used by | Mature |
| Warfarin for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Warfarin does not pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should still consult a doctor before using this medicine. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Warfarin
Warfarin should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not take warfarin if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had endocarditis, hypertension, anemia, liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, mental disorders, hemophilia, alcoholism, or an aneurysm.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking warfarin, especially if you are planning to undergo certain medical procedures, including dental surgery.
- Avoid consuming juice grapefruit, cranberry, or pomegranate, during treatment with warfarin, because it can affect the absorption of the drug in the body.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Perform regular blood tests as recommended by your doctor while undergoing treatment with warfarin.
- Warfarin can cause bleeding, avoid contact sports that can cause injury or injury, such as soccer or boxing, while taking warfarin.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using warfarin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Warfarin
Warfarin should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. The amount of the dose will be adjusted to the body's response to treatment, which is seen from the INR (international normalized ratio) are monitored regularly.
The starting dose of warfarin for adults is 5–10 mg per day, given for 1–2 days. The maintenance dose is 3–9 mg per day, adjusted for the INR value. For the elderly, the dose given will generally be lower than for adults.
How to Take Warfarin Correctly
Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and read the directions on the medicine package before taking warfarin.
Warfarin can be taken before or after meals. Do not increase your dose or stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Take warfarin regularly at the same time every day for maximum effect. If you forget to take it, immediately take this drug as soon as you remember if it is still on the same day. If it is taken the next day, do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Adjust your diet as recommended by your doctor while taking warfarin. Foods with a high vitamin K content, such as liver, leafy greens, or vegetable oil, can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
Store warfarin at room temperature. Do not store it in a damp place or a place with direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Warfarin with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if warfarin is used with other medicines:
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, fibrinolytics, NSAIDs, or SSRI antidepressants
- Increases INR when used with amiodarone, cotrimoxazole, acyclovir, allopurinol, ciprofloxacin, alprazolam, amlodipine, or atorvastatin
- Decreased INR when used with carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, prednisone, or efavirenz
- Increases risk of cholestatic hepatitis if used concomitantly with ticlopidine
Warfarin Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can arise after taking warfarin include:
- bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Stomach pain
- Nauseous
- A nosebleed that subsides on its own.
Check with your doctor if the side effects above continue or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or if you have more serious side effects, such as:
- Bloody or black stools
- Continuous nosebleeds
- Extensive bruises appear
- Severe headache, seizures, numbness, or tingling, which can be signs of bleeding in the head
- Menstruation with prolonged or excessive amount of bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Jaundice
