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Warfarin
Pronounced: war-far-in
Other Name(s): Coumadin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is prescribed to:
Prevent and/or treat a blood clot that has formed within a blood vessel or in the lungs.
Prevent and/or treat blood clots associated with certain heart conditions or replacement of a heart valve.
Aid in the prevention of blood clots that may form in blood vessels anywhere in the body after a heart attack.
Reduce the risk of death, another heart attack, or stroke after a heart attack.
ADULTS
*Many medications, herbal products, and foods can interact with this medication. It is important that you know what to watch out for as well as the signs and symptoms of excessive bleeding. Ask you doctor or pharmacist for more information. Remember to tell all doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you are on this medication.
The administration and dosage of Warfarin must be individualized by your doctor according to your response to the drug.
A common starting dosage of Warfarin tablets for adults is 2 to 5 milligrams per day. Individualized daily dosage adjustments are based on the results of tests that determine the amount of time it takes for the blood clotting process to begin.
A maintenance dose of 2 to 10 milligrams per day is satisfactory for most people. The duration of treatment will be determined by your physician.
CHILDREN
Although Warfarin has been widely used in children below the age of 18, its safety and effectiveness for this purpose have not been formally established.
OLDER ADULTS
Low starting and maintenance doses are recommended for older people, as the drug tends to have a greater effect. |
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