Description
Common use
This medication suppresses the effects of vitamin K, which actively participates in clotting of the blood. It results in the prevention of blood clot formation. Blood clots may form in different parts of the body such as in vessels of extremities after periods of immobility, in vessels of lungs, around artificial heart valves causing embolism and shortness of breath, chest pain depending on the place where they block a vessel. Coumadin is used for the treatment of patients with blood clots in the lower extremities, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, in certain orthopaedic surgeries such as knee or hip replacements, myocardial infraction.
Dosage and direction
Never take a double dose of Coumadin. It may be taken with or without food. Patients with liver or kidney dysfunction should take lower doses of the medication.
Precautions
Avoid eating cranberries or any cranberry herbal products, drinking alcohol and sports or activities that can result in bruising. If you need to do a lumbar puncture or any kind of surgery inform your doctor about taking Coumadin.
Contraindications
Acute bleeding, liver or kidney failure, acute arterial hypertension, pregnancy.
Possible side effect
Bleeding, necrosis of skin are among the most dangerous ones. Black tarry stools, digestion disorders, nasal or gum bleeding, abundant and persisting menstrual discharge, unreasonable bruises, hair loss.
Drug interaction
Coumadin interacts with many drugs, and these interactions can be very dangerous. Mostly often such medications as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), alcohol, ibuprofen (Motrin), cimetidine (Tagamet), oxandrolone (Oxandrin), certain vitamins, and antibiotics should be taken into consideration while treatment with Coumadin is performed.
Missed dose
If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. If it occurred do not take the missed dose and simply return to your regular schedule. Do not try to compensate for a missed dose by taking an extra one. Never take a double dose of Coumadin.
Overdose
If you suspect that you took too much of the medication you may observe excessive bleeding from cuts or wounds, blood in the urine or stools, and heavy menstrual periods in women. Look for immediate medical help in such cases.
Storage
Store at room temperature in a dark dry place.
