Anticoagulant

Drugs

  • Oral- Warfarin; Parenteral- Argatroban, Bivalirudin, Desirudin, Fondaparinux, Heparin, Lepirudin; Low-Molecular Weight Heparins- Dalteparin, Danaparoid, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin

What is it?

  • Anticoagulants- Interfere with Liver Synthesis of Vitamin K; Clotting Factor
  • Avoid Greens, Broccoli, Liver, Lentils, Cauliflower
  • Used For- Treatment /Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism, Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, After Acute MI

Side Effects

  • Bleeding (GI or Urinary), Dark or Bloody Stools, Skin Necrosis of Female Breast, Hair Loss, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of Appetite, Stomach Cramping, Diarrhea, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Ulcers in Mouth, Red Orange or Dark Urine, Nephropathy, Fever, Purple Toes, Headache, Chills, Sore Throat, Dizziness

What can I do?

  • See your Health Care Provider- Bleeding with many Medications
  • See your Pharmacist- for help
  • AVOID- if Allergic to Drug, TB, GI Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Trauma, Pregnancy, Lactation, Blood Disorders,Indwelling Catheters, Diabetes, Threatened Abortion
  • Use Caution- if CHF, Fever, Diarrhea, Depression
  • See a Food Fitness First RD- on line for help
  • Increased Bleeding- with Chamomile, Dong Quai, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Grapeseed Extract, Green Tea, Horse Chestnut, Tumeric

Effect of Medication on Nutritional Status

  • Increased Vitamin K foods reduce the drug’s effectiveness-Vitamin K promotes blood clotting, it’s addition to the body counteracts the blood thinning effect of the anticoagulant drugs, prevent formation of blood clots

Medication Intake

  • Try and use the same amount of foods High in Vitamin K daily-(broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, all greens, asparagus, kale, lettuce, liver, soybeans, soybean oil, raw spinach, green tea, brussel sprouts); fish oils, flax seeds, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, be consistent with intake and limit to no more than 1/2 cup per day--these foods counteract the drug and make the blood thinner
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, Vitamins E, A, and K supplements
  • > 400 IU of Vitamin E/day- prolong clotting time, increase risk of bleeding
  • Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals on an empty stomach.
  • Take with food only if upsets stomach.