Journal of Education, Health and Sport (Aug 2020)

Characteristic of warfarin

  • Marzena Teresa Baran,
  • Paulina Miziak,
  • Katarzyna Bonio

DOI
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.08.009
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 8
pp. 78 – 80

Abstract

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In modern pharmacology, compounds of natural origin are gaining more and more recognition. One of them is warfarin, which is a compound of organic coumarin derivatives. It is used medicinally in the anticoagulant doctor. This compound was commercially introduced to the United States in the 1950s. It has been available on the Polish market since 2006. Warfarin is an antagonist of vitamin K. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K in the liver and thus blocking the synthesis of vitamin K dependent blood clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X). It is widely used by people suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as venous thrombosis and venous embolism. Adopted by patients with suspected or after a heart attack. Despite its undisputed positive effect, one should remember about the numerous side effects resulting from long-term use of warfarin. They may be due to intolerance to this compound, which causes nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Moreover, recent studies show that it may have a destructive effect on the liver and cause calcification of blood vessels. Keep in mind that warfarin can interact with many substances you are taking for other medical conditions. Agents that increase the effects of warfarin include antibiotics such as erythromycin, deoxicillin, commonly used drugs containing caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid and naturally derived compounds found in ginkgo, garlic and sage. Compounds that weaken the effect of warfarin are barbiturates, cyclosporine, vitamin C, and St. John's wort.

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