This category of drugs is also designed to prevent clotting. These medications are commonly referred to as “blood thinners”. The generic name is warfarin, with brand names Coumadin and Marevan. Warfarin, like aspirin and Persantin, lengthens clotting time. It does so by affecting clotting factors in the blood, while aspirin and Persantin act by affecting the function of blood platelets.
Warfarin is often given to patients with certain types of artificial heart valves to reduce the possibility of small clots forming on the valves.
The amount you take will be determined by the results of a “pro-time” blood test. Your doctor will prescribe a standard daily dose or may give you a specific dosage schedule to follow. Take your medication at the same time each day, and do not stop taking it without consulting your physician. You may be taking warfarin for some time, perhaps indefinitely.
If bleeding from a cut continues for several minutes, contact your doctor. Talk with him about signs of unusual bleeding as well, including black stool, pink or red urine, nose bleeds, or bruising with severe swelling.
Do not take aspirin or preparations containing aspirin while taking warfarin. If you have a headache, one of the non-aspirin pain relievers such as Tylenol or Panadol may be taken instead.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. More than one or two drinks, or drinking even that amount regularly, can alter the effect of your anticoagulant. Major changes in diet, such as eating unusually large amounts of fish or leafy green vegetables, can alter your response to the drug. Try to keep your diet regular, without binges or splurges.
While these precautions and warnings may sound severe to you now, remember that anticoagulants have been prescribed for many years for thousands of patients. They have major benefits your doctor wants you to get. In a short period of time you and your doctor will work out just the right dosage, and taking this medication will become second nature to you.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol
