Coumadin is the brand name drug containing warfarin. Warfarin is derived synthetically from coumarin, a chemical found in many plants. Originally developed as a rat poison at the University of Wisconsin,51 warfarin is now prescribed as a blood thinner medication for humans. With careful administration (usually orally) and regular monitoring via frequent blood tests, Coumadin can help to prevent the formation of blood clots, reducing your risk of stroke. It is prescribed to prevent everything from clots in the legs (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism), to treating patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and those suffering primarily from persistent or long-standing persistent forms of atrial fibrillation.
As an anticoagulant, Coumadin impairs the production of blood clotting proteins in the liver, disrupting the body’s complex clotting mechanism. The creation of these proteins (known as cofactors) is normally controlled by vitamin K, found in many green vegetables. Coumadin (warfarin) interferes with the absorption of vitamin K in the liver. Consequently, vitamin K levels decrease, reducing the production of the blood clotting proteins and thinning the blood. However, vitamin K plays an important role in maintaining bone strength; therefore, people taking Coumadin have an increased risk for bone fractures.52
Coumadin is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb. For the most recent information about Coumadin, prescription information and precautions, please visit www.coumadin.com.
