Warfarin sodium (
Coumadin®,
Jantoven®) is a prescription anticoagulant, often described as a "blood thinner" (although it does not actually thin the blood). It is used to prevent and treat blood clots due to various causes.
Warfarin comes in tablet form, in a variety of different strengths. It is also available as an injection, although this form is rarely used. This medication is typically taken once a day. Although it does not matter what time of day you it, be sure to take the medicine at the same time each day. If necessary, warfarin tablets can be broken in half. However, it is best to avoid this, since even tiny variations in the dosage can cause problems.
It is important to understand that warfarin does not "dissolve" or break down blood clots (only special "clot buster" medications that must be given in the hospital can do this). Rather, it prevents them from forming. When used to treat a blood clot, warfarin keeps clot formation in check, allowing the body's natural processes to break it down.
(Click Warfarin for more information on when and how to take warfarin tablets, exactly how this medication works, and warnings and precautions associated with anticoagulants.)
