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Warfarin
About Warfarin
The most widely used oral anticoagulant for decades. Warfarin or Coumadin prevents blood clots by inhibiting vitamin K dependent clotting factors. It was originally developed as rat poison in the 1940s. Warfarin requires regular blood monitoring and has many food and drug interactions. Despite these challenges, it is inexpensive and effective. Warfarin is being replaced by newer direct oral anticoagulants but remains important for mechanical heart valves and severe kidney disease.
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