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- $Unique_ID{BRK03379}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{warfarin}
- $Subject{Coumadin DuPont Panwarfin Abbott Sofarin Lemmon sodium Anticoagulant
- warfarin prevent blood clot formation liver clotting}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Coumadin*0337901.scf}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- warfarin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- Coumadin (DuPont)
- Panwarfin (Abbott)
- Sofarin (Lemmon)
- warfarin sodium (various manufacturers)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Anticoagulant
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- warfarin
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (2 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Warfarin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
- light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- Warfarin is used to prevent blood clot formation. It acts by decreasing
- the production of blood clotting substances by the liver.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- You can take warfarin with a full glass of water. In order to become
- accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it at the same time each
- day.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not
- take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do
- not double the next dose. If you miss more than two doses in a row of this
- medication, contact your doctor.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Blurred vision, cramps, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or nausea. These
- side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Warfarin may produce a red-orange discoloration of urine.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- bloody or black, tarry stools; blood in sputum; fever; heavy bleeding from
- cuts; internal bleeding (signs of internal bleeding include abdominal pain or
- swelling and vomiting of blood or material that resembles coffee grounds);
- loss of hair; mouth sores; nosebleeds; nausea; rash; red urine; severe
- bruising; severe headache; swelling of joints; unusually heavy menstrual
- bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Warfarin interacts with several other types of drugs:
- 1. Alcohol, allopurinol, amiodarone, anabolic steroids, antibiotics,
- chloral hydrate, chloramphenicol, chlorpropamide, cimetidine, clofibrate,
- danazol, disulfiram, erythromycin, glucagon, isoniazid, ketoconazole,
- methyldopa, methylphenidate, metronidazole, monoamine oxidase (MAO)
- inhibitors, nalidixic acid, phenylbutazone, propoxyphene, quinidine, quinine,
- salicylates, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination, sulfinpyrazone,
- sulfonamides, sulindac, tetracycline, thyroid hormones, and tolbutamide can
- increase the effects of warfarin, which can be dangerous.
- 2. Azathioprine, barbiturates, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, colestipol,
- estrogens, ethchlorvynol, griseofulvin, oral contraceptives (birth control
- pills), phenytoin, propylthiouracil, rifampin, sucralfate, and vitamin K can
- decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
- 3. Adrenocorticosteroids (cortisone-like medications), anticancer drugs,
- aspirin, diflunisal, dipyridamole, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
- oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, potassium, quinidine, quinine, and
- salicylates can increase the bleeding complications of warfarin.
- 4. Warfarin can increase the side effects of oral antidiabetic agents and
- phenytoin.
- 5. Diuretics (water pills) may either increase the effects or decrease
- the effectiveness of warfarin. Ask your doctor about concurrent use of
- diuretics and warfarin.
- Before starting to take warfarin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
- medications (both prescription and nonprescription) you are currently taking,
- especially any of those listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to warfarin.
- * Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if
- you now have or if you have ever had any condition for which bleeding is an
- added risk--an aneurysm, blood disorders, cancer, diabetes mellitus,
- congestive heart failure, edema, endocarditis, high blood pressure, indwelling
- catheters, intestinal infections, kidney or liver disease, malnutrition,
- menstrual difficulties, pericarditis, surgery, thyroid disease, tuberculosis,
- ulcers, vasculitis, or wounds and injuries.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, BE SURE
- TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU ARE TAKING WARFARIN.
- * Do not take any aspirin-containing products or any over-the-counter
- products while you are on warfarin, unless you first check with your doctor or
- pharmacist. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding complications from
- warfarin.
- * Avoid any activity, such as a contact sport, that might lead to
- physical injury. Tell your doctor about any fall or blow that occurs.
- Warfarin can cause HEAVY bleeding from cuts.
- * Use an electric razor while shaving to reduce the risk of cutting
- yourself, and be especially careful while brushing your teeth.
- * Since factors such as travel, diet, the environment, and your health
- can affect your body's response to warfarin, your dosage level should be
- carefully monitored.
- * Do not stop taking warfarin unless you first consult your doctor. If
- you stop taking this drug abruptly, you may experience blood clotting. Your
- doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually.
- * Do not change brands of this medication without consulting your doctor.
- * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
- (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions in certain susceptible
- individuals.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Warfarin has been
- associated with birth defects and bleeding complications in fetuses. Also,
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-