Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more or less of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who are especially sensitive to the effects of anticoagulants. Also, it is best if you take this medicine at the same time each day.

Your doctor or health care professional should check your progress at regular visits . A blood test must be taken regularly to see how fast your blood is clotting. This will help your doctor decide on the proper amount of anticoagulant you should be taking each day. Some patients may be able to test their blood at home; discuss with your doctor whether or not this is possible for you.

Dosing—The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For acenocoumarol
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
    • Adults—The usual dose is 1 to 10 milligrams (mg) per day, adjusted according to blood tests.
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For anisindione
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
    • Adults—The usual dose is 25 to 250 milligrams (mg) per day, adjusted according to blood tests.
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For dicumarol
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
    • Adults—The usual dose is 25 to 200 milligrams (mg) per day, adjusted according to blood tests.
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For warfarin
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
    • Adults—The starting dose is usually 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) per day for two to four days. Then, your dose may be adjusted, depending on your condition and results of routine blood tests.
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For injection dosage form:
  • For preventing or treating harmful blood clots:
    • Adults—The starting dose is usually 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) per day for two to four days. Then, your dose may be adjusted, depending on your condition and results of routine blood tests.
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Doubling the dose may cause bleeding . Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is recommended that you keep a record of each dose as you take it to avoid mistakes. Also, be sure to give your doctor a record of any doses you miss. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.