Coumadin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Coumadin is an anticoagulant. It reduces the formation of blood clots. Prevent and/or treat blood clots that are associated with certain heart conditions or replacement of a heart valve.

Coumadin Dosage

• The usual starting dosage of Coumadin tablets for adults is 2 to 5 milligrams per day.
• Although Coumadin has been widely used in children below the age of 18, its safety and effectiveness for this purpose have not been formally established.

Uses of Coumadin

• Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries.
• Warfarin is also used with other drugs in the treatment of some lung cancers.

Side Effects of Coumadin

Before taken Coumadin medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Coumadin. Side effects may include:

• Chest pain
• Difficult breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Numbness and tingling
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Coumadin:

• You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to warfarin, aspirin, tartrazine, or any other drugs.
• If you are taking prescription and nonprescription medications especially other heart medications; antibiotics; aspirin and other non-steroidal antiiflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen; cimetidine; medications for cancer, depression, then you should tell your doctor.
• You should tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially bromelains, coenzyme Q10, danshen, dong quai, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, and St. John's wort. You should not start taking any herbal products without talking to your doctor.

Drug Interaction :-If you are taking Coumadin with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Coumadin can interact with a very wide variety of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter. Check with your doctor before taking ANY other medication or vitamin product.

Overdose

After taken Coumadin if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Coumadin overdose include

• Blood in stools or urine
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Black stools
• Reddish or purplish spots on skin
• Excessive bruising
• Persistent bleeding from superficial injuries

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