Last reviewed · How we verify
Warfarin or coumadin
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the regeneration of reduced vitamin K, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots.
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) by blocking the regeneration of reduced vitamin K, 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 or coumadin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation |
| Drug class | Vitamin K antagonist (oral anticoagulant) |
| Target | Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Warfarin acts as a vitamin K antagonist, interfering with the gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver. This prevents these factors from becoming fully activated and functional in the coagulation cascade. The result is a prolonged prothrombin time (PT/INR) and reduced thrombin generation, which decreases the risk of thrombotic events.
Approved indications
- Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention
- Venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) treatment and prevention
- Mechanical heart valve thromboprophylaxis
- Post-myocardial infarction thromboprophylaxis
Common side effects
- Bleeding (major and minor)
- Warfarin-induced skin necrosis
- Alopecia
- Nausea
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- Rivaroxaban vs Warfarin in Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves (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)
- 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)
- Apixaban VS Warfarin in AF Pts First Three Months After Repair or BIO AVR MVR (PHASE3)
- Rivaroxaban in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (PHASE4)
- International Care Bundle Evaluation in Cerebral Hemorrhage Research (PHASE4)
- Sunitinib or Cediranib for Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (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 or coumadin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Warfarin or coumadin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation portfolio CI