Antithrombotic

Coumarins and Indandiones

Coumarins and Indandiones

What is Coumarins and Indandiones?

Coumarins (such as warfarin) and Indandiones are oral anticoagulants that inhibit vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, helping to prevent and treat blood clots. These medications work by interfering with the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver. While Coumarins like warfarin are widely used in clinical practice, Indandiones (like phenindione) are now rarely used due to higher toxicity. Coumarins are essential in managing long-term clot prevention in conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and mechanical heart valves.

Uses of Coumarins and Indandiones :-

  • Prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation
  • Treatment and prevention of DVT and pulmonary embolism
  • Management of mechanical heart valve thrombosis risk

Common Side Effects :-

  • Bleeding and bruising
  • Nausea
  • Hair thinning (rare)
  • Skin rash (less common)

Precautions & Warnings :-

  • Requires regular INR monitoring for warfarin.
  • Avoid sudden dietary changes, especially in vitamin K intake.
  • Not safe during pregnancy (warfarin is teratogenic).
  • Drug and food interactions are common-use with caution.
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