Warfarin

It is a structural analog of vitamin K. Like dicoumarol, it inhibits thiol enzymes – vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase and vitamin K reductase, promoting blood clotting inhibition. These preparations are used as a prophylactic measure against thrombosis.

Warfarin                     Dicumarol

It is well eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract, interacts with many other medicinal preparations. Only a small amount of warfarin is excreted in breast milk. The effect of warfarin, like that of other similar anticoagulants (dicumarol), is usually assessed based on changes in prothrombin time.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė