Coumadin is the brand name product for warfarin, which is an anticoagulant available with a prescription only. The medication is used to prevent and treat thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and thromboembolism. It is also given to patients who have an abnormal heart rhythm with the risk of developing an embolism, and those who have had a heart attack may be placed on Coumadin to prevent an embolism. Diet plays an important role in individuals who take Coumadin, specifically the consumption of vitamin K. Discuss any concerns you may have with a health care professional.
Actions of Coumadin
Coumadin decreases the clotting ability of blood by blocking certain clotting factors, which include II, VII, IX, and X. These clotting factors are the steps involved in the blood coagulation process. By blocking the clotting factors, Coumadin is able to thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots that can lead to stroke and heart attack.
Food
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the body in the fat tissue or liver. It is found naturally in many foods, including beef liver, green tea, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, asparagus and dark green lettuce. According to Coumadin.com, individuals should receive a daily intake of 80 mcg of vitamin K and deficiencies are rare.
Vitamin K Effects on Coumadin
The clotting factors require the presence of vitamin K to function properly. Coumadin deactivates vitamin K to exert its action; therefore, vitamin K can interfere with Coumadin and decrease its efficacy. A significant increase in the amount of vitamin K you consume can affect the way the medication works. You should consume a consistent amount of vitamin K on a daily basis to avoid changes in the level of vitamin K in your body, explains the "Drug Information Handbook." You can ask your physician about how much vitamin K you should get.
Monitoring
Your physician will monitor how Coumadin is working in your body by performing routine blood tests, so do not skip doctor appointments. Your physician can adjust the dose of Coumadin if necessary and determine what your diet can include. If you want to make any diet changes, consult with your physician first. If you notice signs of increased bleeding, such as bleeding gums, black tarry stools, reddish-brown urine and easy bruising, notify your physician immediately; this indicates a high level of Coumadin and can cause you to bleed out. On the other hand, if Coumadin levels are too low, your risk for blood clot formation is not reduced.
References
- Coumadin.com: The Role of Vitamin K and Coumadin Use
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
