Interaction Report for Warfarin | |||
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NAME: Warfarin |
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ALSO INDEXED AS: Coumadin |
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INTRODUCTION:
Warfarin, a coumarin anticoagulant, is a racemic mixture of two active isomers. It is used in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disease including venous thrombosis, thromboembolism, and pulmonary embolism as well as for the prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
It is indicated for the treatment of retinal vascular occlusion, pulmonary embolism, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and flutter, cerebral embolism, transient cerebral ischaemia, arterial embolism and thrombosis. |
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INTERACTIONS WITH DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:
Vitamin D:There has been a single reference in the form of a letter to the Journal of American Medical Association suggesting that vitamin D could increase the activity of anticoagulants including Warfarin, which could prove to be dangerous. However, there has not been any further report of such an interaction.
Warfarin is also believed to reduce the absorption of vitamin D
Vitamin K:Warfarin slows blood clotting by interfering with vitamin K activity. Since vitamin K reverses the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, people taking warfarin should avoid vitamin K-containing supplements unless directed by the health practitioner
Vitamin C:Vitamin C is believed to obstruct the blood thinning effects of warfarin by lowering the Prothrombin Time (PT). However, no adverse complications have been reported.
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INTERACTIONS WITH HERBS:
Soya beans : Soy has been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot, possibly by reducing the tendency of blood platelets to stick together. When it is taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (coumadin), the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in increased bleeding. Devil : One case has been reported of bruising and bleeding when warfarin (Coumadin) and devil's claw were taken at the same time. Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug used to keep blood clots from forming. If warfarin, is taken with devil's claw, bleeding may occur. Hence it is not recommended to take devil's claw and warfarin at the same time. In a reported interaction Devil's claw was associated with purpura (bleeding under the skin) in a patient treated with warfarin. Dandelion : In theory, due to chemicals called coumarins found in dandelion leaf extracts, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (coumadin). |
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