- Anti-coagulation should be considered for all patients in atrial fibrillation who have had an ischaemic stroke if no contraindication
- Warfarin is complex to use because its effects on clotting need to be monitored closely
- Warfarin can been effectively reversed during haemorrhage in less than half an hour using clotting products, e.g. Phytomenadione (Vitamin K), Dried Prothrombin Complex or Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)
- Warfarin has been shown to be the leading drug cause of admission to hospital for iatrogenic (caused by doctor) effects
- Warfarin has significant interactions with other drugs used in hospital resulting in significantly increased anticoagulation eg. amiodarone, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and statins
- Specific antidotes exist for some of the DOACS if urgent reversal is required
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Page last reviewed: 25 Jul 2023
