Coumadin is the brand name of the anti-coagulation medicine warfarin. Anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners, reduce the ability of blood to clot. For people taking Coumadin, that means even small cuts can become dangerous. One precaution is to avoid foods, supplements and other treatments that increase or decrease Coumadin's therapeutic effect. Only two vitamins -- and no minerals -- have this interaction with Coumadin, but the problem is common with other types of products.
Vitamin K
Because vitamin K helps the body form blood clots, high levels of it may counteract the effects of Coumadin. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach contain particularly high levels of vitamin K, so limit your intake of these vegetables to one serving per day while taking Coumadin.
Vitamin E
Taking more than 1,000 IUs of vitamin E daily may also reduce blood clotting. To avoid the risk of excessive bleeding, ask your doctor about the safety of taking vitamin E if you are also taking Coumadin.
Herbal Products
Certain herbal products may interfere with the activity of Coumadin, such as co-enzyme Q10, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and St. John's wort. Also avoid concentrated-cranberry products, as well as herbal teas that contain sweet clover, sweet woodruff or tonka beans, as they may also interfere with Coumadin's stability. Tell your doctor about any herbal health supplements you are taking if she prescribes Coumadin.
Medications
Many over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen also affect blood clotting; so can certain antibiotics, so ask your doctor before taking these when you are taking Coumadin.
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