Warfarin

Warfarin                                 preg risk D

Indications/Actions: DVT,pulmonary embolism, MI, rheumatic heart disease. Interfere with the normal cascade of events involved in the clotting process. Inhibits vitamin K dependent activation of clotting factors.

Oral tabs

Adverse:Haematologic: bleeding, GI upset, Hepatic dysfunction,

Headache, fever

Other: alopecia, dermatitis, bone marrow suppression, prolonged and painful erection

Don’t need to learn drug to drug as there are too many, but any other anticoagulant- lecture

Drug- food: avoid foods containing vitamin K, however maintain vit K levels by eating consistent amount of leafy green veg. Avoid alcohol.

Contraindications:hypersentivity, active bleeding, hepatic disease, renal disease, pregnancy, haemorrhagic stroke within past 6 months, threatened abortion, hypertension… many more

Care considerations; take at the same time each day.inspect for signs of bleeding, check PT and INR results;Alert: withhold drug and call prescriber if fever or rash. Effect can neutralized by vitamin K injections. Elderly, or those with renal or hepatic failure are esp sensitive to warfarin. Causes red orange discolouration or urine.

Teaching:

·         avoid foods containing vitamin K, maintain by eating consistent amounts leafy green veg. Avoid alcohol.

·         Carry card id person as a bleeder

·         Comply with dosages and follow up appointments.

·         Watch for signs of bleeding

·         Avoid nonprescription drugs containing aspirin, salicylates

·         Read food labels

·         Heavy menstruation- seek advice from dr

·         Take at same time every day,

·         Avoid contact sports etc

·         Inform other health professionals – eg dentists.

·         Causes red orange discolouration or urine.