This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Coumadin is an anticoagulant. It works by blocking the formation of ceratin blood clotting factors. It is used for treating or preventing blood clots that may occur in the veins and lungs. It is used to treat or prevent blood clots that may occur because of a certain type of abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or heart valve replacement. It is also used to reduce the risk of death, recurring heart attack, or blood clotting events (eg, stroke) after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

The administration and dosage of Coumadin must be individualized by your doctor according to your sensitivity to the drug.

A common starting dosage of Coumadin 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.

Although Coumadin has been widely used in children below the age of 18, its safety and effectiveness for this purpose have not been formally established.

Low starting and maintenance doses are recommended for older people, as the drug tends to have a greater effect.

Warning and Precautions

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Coumadin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Coumadin.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Contact your doctor right away if you may have taken too much of Coumadin.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Coumadin; it may increase the risk of Coumadin's side effects.

Do not change you activity level or weight without checking with your doctor; the risk of Coumadin's side effects may be increased.

Do not change your eating habits without checking with your doctor. Eat a normal, balanced diet. Foods that have high levels of vitamin K in them (eg, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, liver, certain vegetable oils) may change the effect of Coumadin. Ask your doctor for a list of foods that may affect this medicine. Tell your doctor if any foods on the list are a part of your diet.

Do not eat cranberry products or drink cranberry juice while you are taking Coumadin. Tell your doctor if these products are already part of your diet.

Elevated body temperature may increase the effect of Coumadin. Be careful to avoid becoming overheated, especially during hot weather.

Coumadin decreases blood clotting. Use caution while doing activities such as brushing your teeth, flossing, or shaving. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Seek immediate medical attention if you fall or injure yourself. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.

Do not take aspirin while you take Coumadin unless your doctor tells you to. If you already take aspirin for a heart or other condition, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should continue to take it with Coumadin.

Tell your doctor if you will be traveling or if you will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (eg, car or airplane ride). This may increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

If therapy with Coumadin is stopped, the blood thinning effects may last for 2 to 5 days after you stop taking it. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Do not suddenly stop taking Coumadin without checking with your doctor.

Lab tests, including certain blood clotting tests (eg, PT, INR), may be performed while you use Coumadin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Coumadin should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Children may need more frequent lab tests if they use Coumadin.

If you may become pregnant, you must use an effective form of birth control while you take Coumadin. If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Signs and symptoms of Coumadin overdose reflect abnormal bleeding. Symptoms of abnormal bleeding include: blood in stools or urine, excessive menstrual bleeding, black stools, reddish or purplish spots on skin, excessive bruising, persistent bleeding from superficial injuries.

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Storage

Store Coumadin at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Coumadin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

The side effects are: bleeding from gums when brushing teeth; blood in urine; nosebleeds; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusually heavy bleeding or oozing from cuts or wounds; unusually heavy or unexpected menstrual bleeding, abdominal or stomach pain or swelling; back pain or backaches; black, tarry stools; bleeding in eye; blood in stools; blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in urine; blurred vision; chest pain; confusion; constipation; coughing up blood; diarrhea (sudden and severe); dizziness or fainting; headache (continuing or severe); joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting (severe); nervousness; numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face; paralysis; shortness of breath; weakness (sudden). Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Coumadin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.