People's Pharmacy

Coumadin

Generic Name:warfarin

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Coumadin is known as a blood thinner or anticoagulant. That means it is prescribed to prevent the formation or recurrence of blood clots.

People who experience a pulmonary embolism or thrombophlebitis in their legs often receive Coumadin to reduce the risk of more serious complications.

When clots are feared, this medicine may lower the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.

Coumadin works by blocking key factors necessary for normal blood coagulation.

Getting the right dose can be a very tricky process. Too little Coumadin may not allow for adequate clot protection, but too much could lead to life-threatening hemorrhage.

Like Goldilocks and the porridge it may take some experimentation to get things just right. That requires frequent blood tests for prothrombin times, especially in the early phase of treatment.