Warfarin

Information About Warfarin

Uses of Warfarin

warfarin is commonly used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke prevention

How Warfarin Works

Warfarin which is used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and stroke prevention acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors which are II, VII, IX, and X, as well as the anticoagulant protein C and its cofactor protein S

Side Effects of Warfarin

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Jaundice, Hepatic dysfunction, Vasculitis, Pancreatitis, Alterations of the sense of taste, Abdominal pain, Flatulence

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Warfarin Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

Consumption with alcohol is not advisable as it increases the risk of excessive bleeding.

Pregnancy Not Safe

First-trimester use of warfarin may result in fetal warfarin syndrome (FWS). However, the risk may lessen if the mother's who requires anticoagulation takes heparin from the start of the 6th gestational week through the end of the 12th gestational week, and again at term

Lactation Safe If Prescribed

Maternal warfarin consumption is known to not pose a significant risk to normal, full-term, breastfed infants.

Driving Generally Safe

Warfarin usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Kidney High Risk

Patients with reduced kidney function require lower doses of the warfarin and may need closer monitoring to avoid serious adverse effect such as renal damage as detected from the study recently

Liver Safe If Prescribed

It is metabolized in the liver. Also, use with care in patients with liver cirrhosis however, there are no specific guidelines for warfarin use in patients with impaired liver function.