Hematologic System

Question 1

What is the prototype medication for the Vitamin K Antagonist class?

Answer 1

Warfarin

Question 2

What does warfarin treat?

Answer 2

It is an anticoagulant drug to prevent stroke, thrombosis events like DVT or pulmonary embolism.
Also to prevent recurring myocardial infarction

Question 3

How does warfarin work?

Answer 3

It blocks vitamin K (a clotting factor) activation.

Question 4

What is the number one adverse reaction of warfarin use?

Answer 4

Bleeding

Question 5

What is the reversal agent for warfarin?

Answer 5

Vitamin K

Question 6

What lab needs to be monitored closely in a patient taking warfarin?

Answer 6

INR (International Normalized Ratio).
Therapeutic range is: between 2 and 3

Question 7

What are some food/drug interactions with warfarin?

Answer 7

Avoid food that are high in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, mayonnaise, canola, and soybean oils
Any drugs with anticoagulation effects can increase risk of bleeding:
NSAIDs, aspirin, heparin, etc.