Drugs
Coumadin
Generic Name: Warfarin sodium
Product Name: Coumadin
- Indication of Coumadin
- Action of Coumadin
- Dose Advice of Coumadin
- Schedule of Coumadin
- Common side effects of Coumadin
- Uncommon side effects of Coumadin
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Indication of Coumadin:
Coumadin is used to prevent and treat blood blot formation in the deep veins of the legs, blood clots causing pulmonary embolus and blood clot formation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Coumadin is also used in the treatment of coronary artery disease if a coronary artery becomes occluded. Coumadin is also given to prevent the formation of clots in patients with arterial and cardiac grafts and prosthetic heart valves.Action of Coumadin:
Coumadin acts by inhibiting the production of clotting factors that would usually contribute to the formation of blood clots. By inhibiting the production of these factors Coumadin prevents existing blood clots from becoming larger and after reduces the risk of complications from these blood clots.Dose Advice of Coumadin:
The dose of Coumadin must be individualised for each patient depending on his or her sensitivity to the drug. The dosage is adjusted depending on the INR, which measures the effect that Coumadin is having on inhibiting the clotting factors.Coumadin is given in many different conditions and the desirable INR will vary depending on the reason Coumadin is being given.
The commonly used initial dose of Coumadin is 10 mg/day for 2-4 days, with adjustment of the dose depending on the INR. Most patients have a satisfactory INR on a dose of 2 to 10 mg daily.
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