Coumadin, also known as warfarin, belongs to a class of medications known as anticoagulants, or blood thinners, according to Drugs.com. Coumadin is used to prevent blood clots in certain medical conditions. Coumadin works by preventing platelets from sticking together to form blood clots. Vitamin K, also known as phytonadione, is a drug used to reverse Coumadin toxicity. Vitamin K promotes the clotting of blood.
Coumadin Uses
Coumadin is used to prevent blood clots in patients with medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation, Blood clots in the legs and lungs, heart valve disease, prosthetic heart valves, and in patients with previous heart attack and stroke. Patients with these cardiovascular conditions are at high risk of having blood clots. Blood clots cause heart attack and stroke when they block blood vessels transporting blood to the heart and brain. Coumadin is used in such patients to thin blood and prevent blood clots.
Coumadin Overdose and Toxicity
Some patients may take too much Coumadin, leading to Coumadin overdose and toxicity. Coumadin overdose and toxicity may also be caused by taking certain medications that increase the effects of Coumadin on the body. Coumadin overdose and toxicity lead to increased risks of bruising and internal bleeding, according to Drugs.com. Signs and symptoms of Coumadin overdose include red urine, bloody stool, bleeding gums, nose bleeding, vomit that is bright red, severe headache, severe stomachache, dizziness and weakness.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that helps blood coagulate properly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Without vitamin K blood would not clot and these can lead to serious bleeding and death. Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of Coumadin, according to Drugs.com.Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, in cereals, beef liver, soybeans and soybean oil and in canola oil.
Vitamin K Administration
Vitamin K is available as an oral dose or as injections, according to Drugs.com. Oral doses should be taken with a full glass of water. Injectable forms of vitamin K are usually administered by a health-care provider. Patients who inject vitamin K at home should follow the doctor's instructions regarding preparing, administration and storage. Frequent blood work is required for patients taking Coumadin and vitamin K in order to monitor the effects of the two drugs on the blood.
Side Effects of Vitamin K
Common side effects of vitamin K, include flushing of the face, unusual taste in the mouth and pain at the injection site, according to Drugs.com. Patients who experience adverse side effects such as difficulties breathing, swelling of the face and tongue, hives, irregular heartbeats, fast heart rate and increased sweating should seek immediate medical attention.
