How does COUMADIN® (Warfarin Sodium Tablets, USP) work?
COUMADIN® and other coumarin anticoagulants act by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K dependent clotting factors, which include Factors II, VII, IX and X, and the anticoagulant proteins C and S. Half-lives of these clotting factors are as follows: Factor II – 60 hours, VII – 4-6 hours, IX – 24 hours, and X – 48-72 hours.1 The half-lives of proteins C and S are approximately 8 hours and 30 hours, respectively.1 The resultant in vivo effect is a sequential depression of Factor VII, Protein C, Factor IX, Protein S, and Factor X and II activities.2 Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the post ribosomal synthesis of the Vitamin K dependent clotting factors.2 The vitamin promotes the biosynthesis of γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues in the proteins which are essential for biological activity.1 Warfarin is thought to interfere with clotting factor synthesis by inhibition of the C1 subunit of the Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) enzyme complex, thereby reducing the regeneration of Vita
Related Questions
- What are the recommendations regarding frequency of monitoring while on COUMADIN® (Warfarin Sodium Tablets, USP)?
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