Taking the Medicine

Anti-coagulant drug: Warfarin What is it? Some people have a tendency to develop abnormal blood clots with a risk that these…

Anti-coagulant drug: Warfarin What is it? Some people have a tendency to develop abnormal blood clots with a risk that these clots can become lodged in a blood vessel, cutting the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain or heart.

There are three main types of drugs that prevent and dissolve blood clots: antiplatelets, thrombolytics and anti-coagulants. Warfarin is the most widely used oral anti-coagulant drug.

What's it good for? Warfarin is used to prevent the formation of blood clots in veins and in the chambers of the heart. It may be used after injury or surgery where there is a risk of an embolism. It can also be used to treat those at risk of a stroke from a clot.

How does it work? Anti-coagulants block the action of certain blood clotting factor that converts platelets into blood clots.

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Any contraindications? Warfarin is used with caution in those with liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers or in those who bleed easily. Warfarin interacts with many drugs including aspirin and medical advice should be sought before taking other medicines. Warfarin should not be discontinued without medical supervision.

Possible side-effects? Over-dosage can cause excessive bleeding, and regular blood checks are needed to ensure the dosage is correct. Warfarin needs to be discontinued, under medical supervision, prior to planned surgery or dental procedures. Bruising can occur.

Dr Muiris Houston

Alternative remedies:

Probiotic supplements

What are they? Probiotic supplements are bacterial strains used to increase the amount of healthy bacteria present in the bowel. The most commonly used bacteria in supplements are lactobacilli acidophilus and bifidus.

What are they good for? Probiotic supplements are used to treat various bowel conditions, vaginal infections, viral infections, high cholesterol and some skin allergies.

How do they work? The healthy bacteria in the bowel detoxify chemicals and pesticides in food and water and produce antibiotic-like chemicals to destroy bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Any contraindications? Babies should not be given acidophilus until they are weaned onto solid foods as it is only then that they have acidophilus in their bowel. Many yogurts claim to have "live bacteria", but if fruit is present or if the yogurt has been pasteurised, the so-called "live" bacteria will have been destroyed in the processing.

Are there any side-effects? Some individuals have a sensitivity to dairy products and therefore shouldn't choose yogurt made from cow's milk. There are, however, some soya-based alternatives with live cultures added.

Sylvia Thompson