Warfarin (Coumadin) Nursing Considerations

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson:   Generic Name warfarin Trade Name Coumadin Indication

venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, A-fib, myocardial infarction

Action

disrupts liver synthesis of Vitamin K dependent clotting factors

Therapeutic Class

Anticoagulant

Pharmacologic Class

coumarins

Nursing Considerations

• contraindicated with bleeding, severe hypertension • can cause bleeding • aspirin and NSAIDs can increase risk of bleeding • azole antifungals increase effects of warfarin • cimetadine(Tagamet) increases warfarin levels • obtain full history of supplements and herbs • large amounts of vitamin K may antagonize effects of warfarin • assess for signs of bleeding • therapeutic levels: PT 1.3-1.5, INR 2.5-3.5 • instruct patient to report any signs of bleeding • patient should not drink alcohol • bleeding times need to be monitored frequently • vitamin K is antidote