HOW DOES COUMADIN THIN OUT THE BLOOD?
Coumadin acts on certain blood proteins that promote clotting. the blood clotting system is a constant mix of pro and anti clotting mechanisms. Using coumadin tends to tip the mix into the favor of the anti clotting forces. The actual mechanism involves the blocking of vitamin K dependent protein synthesis of Factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as protein C and protein S. These proteins are formed in the liver, and the process involves the use of vitamin K. Coumadin blocks a specific enzyme that uses Vitamin K to synthesize these proteins. HOW IS COUMADIN USED FOR BLOOD THINNING? Coumadin is administered as an oral agent. It is given after blood thinning has been started with another agent such as Lovenox. If Coumadin is given without the cover of another anticoagulant such as lovenox, it might have a paradoxical blood clotting tendency initially. This mechanism of action is because Coumadin also decreases Protein S levels first, which tends to promote clotting before the other factors
