Coumadin
Coumadin is an oral anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Because of its narrow therapeutic index and risk of severe bleeding, its use requires strict adherence to prescribed doses and regular blood monitoring via Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) tests.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized and adjusted based on the patient's daily or weekly INR results. A typical adult starting dose is 2 mg to 5 mg orally once daily. Standard pediatric dosing is highly specialized and is not routinely determined by weight alone without close specialist guidance and clinical monitoring.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized
- Frequency
- Once daily if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Not routine. Pediatric dosing of warfarin in infants is extremely complex and must be managed by a pediatric hematologist with frequent INR testing.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized
- Frequency
- Once daily if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Must be calculated and monitored closely by a specialist. Do not administer without a direct, current prescription and ongoing laboratory monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized
- Frequency
- Once daily if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized
- Frequency
- Once daily if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized
- Frequency
- Once daily if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Highly individualized | Once daily if prescribed | Not routine. Pediatric dosing of warfarin in infants is extremely complex and must be managed by a pediatric hematologist with frequent INR testing. |
| 5-7 kg | Highly individualized | Once daily if prescribed | Must be calculated and monitored closely by a specialist. Do not administer without a direct, current prescription and ongoing laboratory monitoring. |
| 8-10 kg | Highly individualized | Once daily if prescribed | Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests. |
| 11-15 kg | Highly individualized | Once daily if prescribed | Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests. |
| 16-20 kg | Highly individualized | Once daily if prescribed | Requires strict medical supervision. Safe therapeutic ranges require regular adjustment based on PT/INR blood tests. |
Formulation
Purpose
An anticoagulant (blood-thinner) used to prevent and treat blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients with atrial fibrillation or heart valve replacements.
Generic Name
Warfarin sodiumScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.