Warfarin adverse effects

The pharmacological and/or adverse effects of a drug can be reversed by co-administration of drugs which compete for the same receptor. For example, an opioid receptor antagonist naloxone is used to reverse the effects of opiates. Drugs acting at the same site with opposite effects also can affect each other, e.g. the reduction in the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by vitamin K. 

Monitor patients for adverse effects of specific drug therapy (Table 6-6). Monitor patients receiving warfarin for signs and symptoms of bruising or bleeding. 

Patients at increased risk of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g., dyspepsia, peptic ulcer formation, and bleeding) include the elderly, those with peptic ulcer disease, coagulopathy, and patients receiving high doses of concurrent corticosteroids. Nephrotoxicity is more common in the elderly, patients with creatinine clearance values less than 50 mL/minute, and those with volume depletion or on diuretic therapy. NSAIDs should be used with caution in patients with reduced cardiac output due to sodium retention and in patients receiving antihypertensives, warfarin, and lithium. 

Vigilance for drug-drug interactions is required because of the greater number of medications prescribed to elderly patients and enhanced sensitivity to adverse effects. Pharmacokinetic interactions include metabolic enzyme induction or inhibition and protein binding displacement interactions (e.g., divalproex and warfarin). Pharmacodynamic interactions include additive sedation and cognitive toxicity, which increases risk of falls and other impairments. 

Indomethacin was used traditionally, but its relative cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) selectivity theoretically increases its gastropathy risk. Thus other generic NSAIDs may be preferred. Adverse effects of NSAIDs include gastropathy (primarily peptic ulcers), renal dysfunction, and fluid retention. NSAIDs generally should be avoided in patients at risk for peptic ulcers, those taking warfarin, and those with renal insufficiency or uncontrolled hypertension or heart failure. 

The major adverse effect of warfarin is bleeding. (Ironically, this compound was originally introduced as a very effective ro-denticide. As the active ingredient in rodent poison, it causes death due to internal hemorrhaging.) Furthermore, because it readily crosses the placenta and can cause a hemorrhagic disorder in the fetus, it is contraindicated in pregnant women. 

Other potential adverse effects include impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K hypernatremia and hyperchloremia GI obstruction and reduced bioavailability of acidic drugs such as warfarin, nicotinic acid, thyroxine, acetaminophen, hydrocortisone, hydrochlorothiazide, loperamide, and possibly iron. Drug interactions may be avoided by alternating administration times with an interval of 6 hours or greater between the BAR and other drugs. 

The H2RAs are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects are headache, somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, and either constipation or diarrhea. Cimetidine may inhibit the metabolism of theophylline, warfarin, phenytoin, nifedipine, and propranolol, among other drugs. 

In summary, the adverse effects associated with the quinolones appear presently to be mild to moderate in severity and reversible upon discontinuation of therapy. Severe systemic adverse reactions are rare [62], It is suggested that the use of these agents should be avoided, as far as possible, in children and pregnant women and that caution be used in their administration to patients with a seizure disorder or those taking theophylline or warfarin [62]. Articles suggesting the appropriate clinical usage for these important antibacterials have appeared [64],... 

Hemorrhage - Hemorrhage is the principal adverse effect of warfarin. 

Efavirenz (Sustiva) [Antiretroviral/NNRTI] Uses Hiv infxns Action Antiretroviral nonnucleoside RTI Dose Adults. 600 mg/d PO qhs Feds. See package insert avoid high-fat meals Caution [D, ] CDC recommends HIV-infected mothers not breast-feed Contra Component sensitivity Disp Caps SE Somnolence, vivid dreams, dizziness, rash, N/V/D Interactions T Effects W/ ritonavir T effects OF CNS depressants, ergot derivatives, midazolam, ritonavir, simvastatin, triazolam, warfarin X effects W/ carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifabutin, rifampin, saquinavir, St. John s wort i effects OF amprenavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, indinavir, phenobarbital, saquinavir, warfarin may alter effectiveness OF OCPs EMS Concurrent EtOH usage can t CNS d ression OD May cause muscle contractions and adverse CNS effects activated charcoal may be effective... 

Il.b.l.1. Adverse effects of anti-secretory treatment. Histamine H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are very safe as well as effective treatments. Cimetidine has small effects on hepatic drug metabolism which are only of clinical signiflcance with drugs used in doses close to toxic levels, notably phenytoin, aminophylline and warfarin. Other adverse effects such as headache, rash and thrombocytopenia are rare. 

The SSRIs bind tightly to plasma proteins and may interfere with other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin, digitoxin), causing a shift in plasma concentrations that can potentially result in adverse effects (Schrefer, 2001). As mentioned above, the SSRI medications can... 

---