These emboli are smaller than thrombi and block smaller vessels, usually less than 200 μm in diameter. 11 When these patients are anticoagulated plaque rupture can allow the escape of cholesterol from the lipid core in the form of atheroemboli or cholesterol microemboli. In patients with atheroscelotic plaques rupture typically results in thrombus formation. Limitation of thrombus formation is also a source of adverse effects. Prevention of these events is the primary goal of warfarin therapy.

Thrombi which form in the heart can travel to the brain and cause ischemic strokes. Thrombi due to venous thrombosis can travel to the lungs and become pulmonary emboli, blocking circulation to a portion of lung tissue. 15 For patients with cardiac valve disease or valve replacements this increased coagulability is due to tissue damage. Label, 17 In patients with deep vein thrombosis or atrial fibrillation there is an increased risk of thrombus formation due to the reduced movement of blood. Warfarin is an anticoagulant, as such it disrupts the coagulation cascade to reduce frequency and extent of thrombus formation. Type Small Molecule Groups Approved Structure Warfarin does not actually affect blood viscosity, rather, it inhibits vitamin-k dependent synthesis of biologically active forms of various clotting factors in addition to several regulatory factors. Additional adverse effects such as necrosis, purple toe syndrome, osteoporosis, valve and artery calcification, and drug interactions have also been documented with warfarin use. Warfarin has several properties that should be noted when used medicinally, including its ability to cross the placental barrier during pregnancy which can result in fetal bleeding, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Although originally marketed as a pesticide (d-Con, Rodex, among others), Warfarin has since become the most frequently prescribed oral anticoagulant in North America. Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug normally used to prevent blood clot formation as well as migration. Coumadin, Jantoven Generic Name Warfarin DrugBank Accession Number DB00682 Background

Warfarin sodium antidote