Coumadin

Drug Uses

Coumadin is an anticoagulant that is used for preventing blood clots that may occur within a blood vessel, also known as thrombosis and embolism. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and other problems in patients who have suffered a heart attack.

How it is taken

can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Coumadin, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Abnormal bleeding or bruising and blood in the vomit or stools, ainting, rapid or unusually slow heartbeat, severe dizziness are some of the common symptoms of a Coumadin overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances,  if you have a stomach, lung, or urinary tract lesion, an ulcer, tuberculosis, a catheter, an IUD, recently given birth, a fever, allergies, intestinal problems, liver problems, an infection, high blood pressure, arthritis, a mood disorder, blood disorders, or bleeding problems, diabetes, an infection of the heart, inflammation of the blood vessels, cancer, if you are an alcoholic, or if you have suffered trauma, have a vitamin C, vitamin K, or protein C deficiency.

may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are planning or have recently had major surgery, surgery of the eyes or nervous system, spinal puncture, or spinal anesthesia, if you have preeclampsia, eclampsia, an incomplete abortion, have leukemia, red blood cell overproduction, or a reduced platelet count or if you take mifepristone.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Coumadin and contact your doctor immediately.

Coumadin has a tendency to reduce blood clotting. So, to prevent bleeding, avoid any sports or other activities (including injuries sustained while brushing your teeth and shaving) that may expose you to a risk of bruising or serious injury.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Coumadin should not be used in children below 3 months of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Do not make any significant or rampant changes to your eating habits, alcohol consumption, or activity level without checking with your doctor as it may lead to a change in the effect of the medicine. Maintain caution especially when eating leafy, green vegetables or liver, because they contain vitamin K, which affects how Coumadin works.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Some of the common side effects of are Abnormal skin sensations, changes in taste, chills, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, feeling cold, fever, general body discomfort, hair loss, itching, lack of energy, nausea, pale skin, skin inflammation, stomach pain, cramps, or bloating, tiredness, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in the urine, dizziness, excessive bleeding from cuts, excessive bleeding from gums when brushing teeth, headache, increased menstrual bleeding or unusual bleeding from vagina, muscle pain, nosebleeds, numbness, penis gangrene, purple toes, red or black, tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, shortness of breath, sores or ulcers on skin, stomach, chest, joint or other pain, sudden or severe pain in your legs, feet, or toes, unexplained swelling, unusual bruising, unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.