Anticoagulants (Systemic)
Proper Use of This MedicineTake this medicine only as directed by your doctor
. Do not take more
or less of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer
time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients,
who are especially sensitive to the effects of anticoagulants. Also, it is
best if you take this medicine at the same time each day.
Your doctor or health care professional should check
your progress at regular visits
. A blood test must be taken regularly
to see how fast your blood is clotting. This will help your doctor decide
on the proper amount of anticoagulant you should be taking each day. Some
patients may be able to test their blood at home; discuss with your doctor
whether or not this is possible for you.
Dosing - The dose of these medicines will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is
different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For acenocoumarol
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
-
Adults - The usual dose is 1 to 10 milligrams (mg) per day, adjusted
according to blood tests.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For anisindione
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
-
Adults - The usual dose is 25 to 250 milligrams (mg) per day,
adjusted according to blood tests.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For dicumarol
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
-
Adults - The usual dose is 25 to 200 milligrams (mg) per day,
adjusted according to blood tests.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For warfarin
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
-
Adults - The starting dose is usually 2 to 5 milligrams (mg)
per day for two to four days. Then, your dose may be adjusted, depending on
your condition and results of routine blood tests.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For injection
dosage form:
-
For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
-
Adults - The starting dose is usually 2 to 5 milligrams (mg)
per day for two to four days. Then, your dose may be adjusted, depending on
your condition and results of routine blood tests.
-
Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do
not remember until the next day, do not take the missed dose at all and do
not double the next one. Doubling the dose may cause
bleeding
. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is recommended
that you keep a record of each dose as you take it to avoid mistakes. Also,
be sure to give your doctor a record of any doses you miss. If you have any
questions about this, check with your doctor.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink,
or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break
down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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