Warfarin

Indications

Administration/Absorption

Distribution

Mechanism

    • may promote clot formation temporarily

      • when warfarin is loaded rapidly at greater than 5 mg per day, it is beneficial to co-administer heparin for four to five days

Excretion

    • duration of action of a single dose of racemic warfarin is 2 to 5 days

Side effects

Interactions

    • erythromycin (same breakdown enzyme)

Contraindications

    • peptic ulcer

    • severe hypertension