Coumarin
About
aCoumarin belongs to a class of drugs called anticoagulants (blood thinners) used to prevent the formation of blood clots and improve blood flow. It is used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung). Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot blocks the arteries in the lungs.
Coumarin contains 'Coumarin' which works by inhibiting the production of clotting factors by decreasing the action of vitamin K. Thereby, preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot) and helps in preventing blood clot formation.
Take Coumarin as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your medical condition. Some people may experience dizziness, headache, blood in urine and stools, stomach pain and hair loss. Most of these side effects of Coumarin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Coumarin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Coumarin is not recommended for children. Regular tests are recommended while taking Coumarin to monitor liver and kidney functioning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Coumarin. Coumarin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Coumarin.
Uses of Coumarin
Medicinal Benefits
Coumarin is used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung). Coumarin contains Coumarin that is used to prevent and treat blood clots in the body by inhibiting the production of clotting factors by decreasing the action of vitamin K. Thereby, prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot) and helps in preventing blood clots formation. Coumarin is an immunostimulant (stimulates the immune system) and also improves blood flow, reduces inflammation and fluid retention.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Coumarin
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blood in urine and stools
- Stomach pain
- Hair loss
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Coumarin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Coumarin is not recommended for children. Regular tests are recommended while taking Coumarin to monitor liver and kidney functioning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Coumarin. If you have high blood pressure, kidney, liver or heart problems, please inform your doctor before taking Coumarin so that the dose may be adjusted accordingly.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Coumarin may interact with thrombolytic agents (alteplase, streptokinase), antivirals (boceprevir, sofosbuvir), blood thinners (heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), antidepressants (paroxetine), benzodiazepines (alprazolam), corticosteroid (prednisone), anti-hypertensive agent (amlodipine), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac).
Drug-Food Interaction: Coumarin may interact with cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice and green tea. Avoid foods rich in vitamin K such as coriander, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale (leaf cabbage), black liquorice, turnip greens, avocados, brussels sprouts as they may affect the activity of Coumarin. Also, avoid alcohol intake as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have a thyroid problem, calciphylaxis (accumulation of calcium in small blood vessels of the skin and fat tissues), gastrointestinal problems, kidney, liver or bleeding problems and high blood pressure, inform your doctor before taking Coumarin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Coumarin as it may increase side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure or lightheadedness.
Pregnancy
unsafeCoumarin may be unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause harm to the fetus. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking Coumarin.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Coumarin is excreted in breast milk. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCoumarin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Coumarin.
Liver
cautionTake Coumarin with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Coumarin with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeCoumarin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid vitamin K rich foods such as coriander, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale (leaf cabbage), black liquorice, turnip greens, avocados, Brussels sprouts as they may decrease the effectiveness of Coumarin.
- Do regular exercise as it helps to dissolve blood clots especially in obese people.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are advised while taking Coumarin to monitor time taken for your blood to clot and level of platelets (blood cells).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Deep vein thrombosis: It is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. The symptoms include leg pain or swelling.
Pulmonary embolism: It is a condition that occurs as the blood clots break and travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or other parts of the body. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pain, cough and shortness of breath. Quick medication is advised to reduce the risk of serious conditions due to blood clots.
FAQs
Coumarin works by inhibiting the production of clotting factors by decreasing the action of vitamin K. Thereby, prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot) and helps in preventing blood clot formation.
You are not recommended to take aspirin with Coumarin as it may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
It is recommended to avoid vitamin K rich foods such as coriander, red cabbage, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale (leaf cabbage), black liquorice, turnip greens, avocados, parsley, brussels sprouts and green tea as they may decrease the effectiveness of Coumarin. Also, avoid intake of cranberry juice, alcohol and grapefruit juice as they increase the risk of bleeding.
Coumarin may cause hair loss if the treatment is given for many months. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
You are not recommended to stop taking Coumarin without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, take Coumarin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Coumarin, please consult a doctor.
