anticoagulants (warfarin)

Question 1

indication of warfarin?

Answer 1

prophylaxis of embolisation in rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation, insertation of prosthetic heart valves, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, transient ischaemic attack.

Question 2

contraindications:

Answer 2

for all vitamin K antagonists: avoid use within 48 hours post partum; haemorrhagic stroke; significant bleeding.

Question 3

mechansim of action?

Answer 3

inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K dependent on clotting factors- takes upto 5 days to be effect and has a long half life..