Warfarin (Coumadin) Use
Description
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K dependent coagulation factors. It is used to thin the blood and is prescribed in the following conditions: heart arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation), stroke, heart stents, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), pulmonary embolus (blood clot of the lung), metal heart valves, and hyper-coaulable disorders. The patient's blood is checked periodically to monitor the effectiveness of the medication. Dietary changes and new medications can alter the effects of the drug causing either too much or too little anti-coagulation.
Symptoms
Too much medication can cause: nosebleeds, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, vomiting coffee grounds, bloody stools, black stools (melena), easy bruising, fainting, confusion, weak pulse.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. The protime (PT/INR) blood test measures the vitamin K dependent coagulation pathway and is used to monitor treatment.
Treatment
The patient's blood is monitored to ensure the protime/INR (International Normalized Ratio) is therapeutic. Patients with too much medication are at increased risk of bleeding and need frequent monitoring.
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