Warfarin

Question 1

What is Warfarin used for ?

Answer 1

*To treat VTE - Venous thromboembolism like DVT.
*Prevent AF - Atrial Fibrillation
*Prevent Aterial Embolism

Question 2

What class of drug does Warfarin fall into.

Answer 2

Anticoagulants

Question 3

Mechanism of Action of Warfarin

Answer 3

Warfarin blocks the function of vitamin K in its reduced form ( epoxide reductase). This reduces the formation of vitamin K which is needed for the formation of clotting factor II, VII, IX and X

Question 4

Side effects of Warfarin

Answer 4

Increased risk of bleeding from trauma and abnormalities such as peptic ulcer.

Over Warfarinisation can trigger epistaxis or retroperitoneal haemorrhage

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Do not give if there is active bleeding or risk of bleeding
- Liver disease
- In Pregnancy
Give Heparin instead

Question 6

Monitoring

Answer 6

Monitoring of INR daily
Patient should have a yellow book 📒 to record warfarin doses, blood test results, treatment indications and duration.