Warfarin oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes warfarin oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for warfarin. If you want to know more about warfarin oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Warfarin oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Jantoven.

Boxed warning: Risk of bleeding

Warfarin has a boxed warning for the risk of bleeding. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strengths of warfarin

Warfarin oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
• Strengths: 1 milligram (mg), 2 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage of warfarin

This article describes the recommended dosage for warfarin oral tablet. The drugmaker provides this dosage.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of warfarin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of warfarin in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a dosage of warfarin oral tablet based on your international normalized ratio (INR) blood test. (Your INR indicates how well your blood clots.) Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of warfarin oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for blood clots related to atrial fibrillation and other uses

Your warfarin dosage will depend on your INR blood test results, which will be monitored closely throughout your treatment. This test tells your doctor how long it takes for your blood to clot. Your doctor will use the results of this test to decide what dose of warfarin you should take.

A typical starting dosage of warfarin oral tablet is 5–10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may change your dosage over time based on your condition and your INR blood test results. Your doctor will give you a dosing schedule so you know when and how often to take warfarin.

Dosage adjustments for warfarin

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of warfarin oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your INR test results
• your age, body weight, race, sex, and genetic factors
• other medications you take
• your diet
• other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of warfarin

Take your missed dose of warfarin as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses of warfarin at the same time to make up for the missed dose. This could cause dangerous side effects.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of warfarin oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of warfarin oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about warfarin oral tablet and its dosage.

Can certain foods affect my dose of warfarin?

Yes, certain foods and drinks may affect your warfarin dosage. Foods and drinks high in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, may cause warfarin to work less effectively. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about foods you may want to limit or avoid while taking warfarin oral tablet. Make sure that you talk with your doctor before making any major dietary changes while you’re taking warfarin.

Is warfarin taken long term?

How long you’ll need to take warfarin depends on your condition. Doctors may prescribe warfarin oral tablet as a short-term or long-term treatment.

If you have questions about how long you should take warfarin oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How warfarin is taken

You’ll swallow warfarin oral tablet once per day, or according to the dosing schedule your doctor gives you.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Warfarin coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for warfarin when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of warfarin

It’s important that you do not take more warfarin oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of warfarin overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include bleeding, such as:

• blood in urine or stool
• nosebleeds
• excessive bruising

What to do if you take too much warfarin

If you think you’ve taken too much warfarin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for warfarin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of warfarin oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take warfarin oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How often will I need blood tests that help determine my warfarin dosage?
• How long will I need to take warfarin?
• Are there other medications for my condition that I can take less often than warfarin?

Boxed warning for warfarin

Warfarin has a boxed warning for the risk of bleeding. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Warfarin can cause major bleeding, which can be life threatening. Your doctor will monitor your international normalized ratio (INR) blood tests closely to adjust your dosage.

Take warfarin only as prescribed, and tell your doctor about any signs of bleeding (such as blood in your urine or stool, nosebleeds, or excessive bruising). It’s also important to talk with your doctor before you start or stop taking other medications and before you make any major dietary changes.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.