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Drug Name: Generic Coumadin |
Category: Blood Thinner | Contents: Warfarin | ||
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Coumadin and its UsesGeneric Coumadin inhibits normal blood clotting (coagulation). Since Coumadin hinders the formation of blood clots, it is also called an "anticoagulant." Many people refer to these kinds of medicines as "blood thinners", although they do not actually cause the blood to become less thick, only less liable to clot.Coumadin is often prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat and after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. Generic Coumadin is used to treat or prevent harmful blood clots that may occur in the veins (venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), or with a type of abnormal heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation), or following a heart valve replacement. Coumadin is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and other problems in patients who have had a heart attack. Generic Coumadin works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots. Working Mechanism of CoumadinBlood clots normally only form to stop bleeding that has occurred as a result of injury to the tissues. The clotting process is complicated and begins when blood cells called platelets clump together at the site of damage and produce chemicals that activate clotting factors in the blood. Clotting factors are proteins that are produced by the liver. Vitamin K is essential for their production. The activated clotting factors cause a protein called fibrin to be converted into another called fibrinogen. Fibrinogen binds the platelets together, forming a blood clot. This is the body's natural way of repairing itself.Sometimes, however, a blood clot can form abnormally within the blood vessels. This is known as a thrombus and can be dangerous because the clot may detach and travel in the bloodstream, where it becomes known as an embolus. The clot may eventually get lodged in a blood vessel, thereby blocking the blood supply to a vital organ such as the heart, brain or lungs. This is known as a thromboembolism. Some people have an increased tendency for blood clots to form within the blood vessels. This is usually due to a disturbance in the blood flow within the blood vessels. For example, fatty deposits on the walls of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) can disrupt the blood flow, giving a tendency for platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. Slow blood flow in the leg and pelvic veins can also result in clots forming (deep vein thrombosis). These clots can break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A type of fast irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation can also disrupt blood flow and may lead to blood clots forming in the heart. Heart valve disease can have the same effect, particularly if artificial heart valves have been fitted. Clots in the heart can detach and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Coumadin is used to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the blood vessels in conditions such as these. Coumadin works by preventing the vitamin K dependent production of the clotting factors described above. Coumadin prevents the production of these clotting factors by inhibiting the action of vitamin K. Without these clotting factors fibrin cannot be converted into fibrinogen and blood clots are therefore less likely to occur.Coumadin DoseMissed DoseTake the missed dose as soon as you remember, on the same day. If the missed dose is not remembered until the next day, skip that dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of Coumadin. Excess Dose of Coumadin Coumadin in excess dose may show symptoms such as include bruising; small, broken blood vessels under the skin; excessive bleeding from cuts or wounds; bleeding from the gums; blood in the stools, urine, or vomit; and excessive menstrual bleeding in women. Conditions for Storage of Coumadin Store Coumadin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Potencies of Coumadin
Food and Drug Interactions with CoumadinThe following medicines may enhance the effect of Coumadin (increased INR; Coumadin dose may need reducing):
Contraindications with CoumadinCoumadin is contraindicated in the following:
Precautions with CoumadinCoumadin should be used with caution in:
Adverse effects with CoumadinThe adverse effects associated with Coumadin are:
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