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Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots.
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots. Used for Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention, Venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) treatment and prevention, Mechanical heart valve thromboprophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Warfarin (Coumadin) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Michigan |
| Drug class | Vitamin K antagonist (oral anticoagulant) |
| Target | Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Warfarin acts as a vitamin K antagonist that prevents the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in the liver. This results in the production of inactive clotting factors, which prolongs the prothrombin time (PT) and reduces thrombus formation. The anticoagulant effect develops over 36–72 hours as existing clotting factors are depleted.
Approved indications
- Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention
- Venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) treatment and prevention
- Mechanical heart valve thromboprophylaxis
- Acute myocardial infarction with high thromboembolic risk
Common side effects
- Bleeding (major and minor)
- Bruising and hematoma
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Skin necrosis
- Warfarin-induced thrombosis
Key clinical trials
- A Trial of Pharmacist Management of Oral Anticoagulation THerapy in the communitY for AF (PHASE4)
- Rivaroxaban vs Warfarin in Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves (PHASE3)
- SWITCH: Apixaban vs Vitamin K in HM3 (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Multiple Doses of JNJ-56021927 on the Pharmacokinetics of Multiple Cytochrome P450 and Transporter Substrates in Participants With Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (PHASE1)
- Personalized Medicine Decision-Making in a Virtual Clinical Setting
- The PEERLESS II Study (NA)
- Catheter Ablation Plus LAAO Versus Anticoagulation in Frail Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (NA)
- LVT DURATION: Pilot Study of Anticoagulation Duration for Left Ventricular Thrombus (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Warfarin (Coumadin) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Warfarin (Coumadin) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Michigan portfolio CI