Uses of Warfarin

Warfarin is used to treat and prevent blood clot formation in the body. It causes blood thinning and improves blood flow through the blood vessels among patients suffering from blood clots or its associated complications (such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)). It can also be used to prevent blood clot formation in patients who have valve replacement in their heart.

Therapeutic Category

Warfarin: Anti-coagulants.

How Warfarin works

Warfarin reduces the thickness of the blood and helps the blood to flow more easily and smoothly through the blood vessels. It acts by blocking the production of certain blood proteins (Coagulation Factor II, VII, IX, and X, Protein C and S) within the body that are involved in the formation of blood clots. As a result, it causes blood thinning, prolongs clotting time, and prevents the formation of blood clots within the blood vessel.

Common side effects of Warfarin

• Unusual bleeding and bruising

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• if you notice any bloody stools or urine, excessive menstrual bleeding, confusion, blurred vision, or numbness of body parts

Health Tips for Warfarin

• While taking warfarin, avoid eating foods rich with Vitamin K (such as green leafy, vegetables or vegetable oils), taking vitamin K supplements or drinking cranberry juice as it might risk of excessive bleeding
• Warfarin may increase your tendency to bleed more. Therefore, avoid indulging yourself in activities that can increase the risk of accidents or injuries (such as sports activities)
• Also be cautious while performing day to day activities which involve risk of bleeding such as shaving, cutting nails, or using knifes or any sharp objects
• Before taking warfarin, inform your doctor if you have any bleeding disorders or any underlying conditions that can increase the risk of bleeding (such as peptic ulcer, or severe infections of heart, brain, or other organs)
• Regularly visit your healthcare provider and perform all tests advised by him/her without fail. Do not alter the dose or skip doses of warfarin without consulting your doctor