Warfarin sodium
Trade names: coumadine
Class: Oral anticoagulant
Pregnancy: (Category D/ X according to manufacturer—DuPont
Pharma, 2000.]
Action: prevent
the formation of factors II, VII, I X and X in the liver.
Uses:
prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis.
Thromboembolison - Thrombophlebitis.
Prophylaxis from
myocardial infarction. Dose:
The usual adult induction dose of
warfarin is 10 mg
daily for 2 days (higher doses no longer
recommended). The subsequent maintenance dose depends upon the prothrombin
time, reported as INR (international normalised ratio). The daily maintenance
dose of warfarin is usually 3 to 9 mg (taken at the same time each day),
Whenever possible, the base-line prothrombin time should be determined but the
initial dose should not be delayed whilst awaiting the result.
Contraindications:
Hemorrhagic tendencies -
Blood disorders.
Ulcerative lesion of GIT.
Impaired renal and hepatic function.
Severe hypertension.
Thrombocytopenia.
Side effects:
hemorrhagic accidents.
Nursing
considerations:
§ Daily monitoring of prothrombin time is recommended.
§ Instruct clients to take the drug before meal.
§ Remind clients to wear identification band that states that they
are on anticoagulant therapy.
§ Advise client to avoid activities that may cause injury.
§ Vitamin K should by available
§ Food rich in vitamin K should by avoided.
