Warfarin with Argatroban Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Warfarin
- Coumadin®
- Jantoven®
- Warfarin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 07, 2023
Interaction Effect
An altered relationship between INR and increased risk of bleeding
Interaction Summary
Concomitant therapy with argatroban and warfarin prolonged both the prothrombin time (PT) and the measured INR beyond that produced by warfarin alone; however, neither argatroban nor warfarin exerted significant pharmacokinetic effects upon one another in a single-dose pharmacokinetic study . The relationship between combination-therapy INR and change in bleeding risk is unknown, yet is thought to have dual dependence upon argatroban dose and the thromboplastin agent used for measurement. A predicted warfarin INR may be useful in forecasting the degree of anticoagulation expected with the cessation of argatroban therapy . Direct measurement of coagulation factor X may also provide an accurate means of measuring the effects of oral anticoagulants when given concurrently with argatroban . A linear relationship was seen between warfarin therapy INR and the INR arising from argatroban-warfarin combined therapy. However, a warfarin INR calculated from an argatroban/warfarin combined INR may be less predictive when the argatroban dose exceeds 2 mcg/kg/min . During combination drug use, the INR should be measured daily. The INR associated with warfarin alone may be calculated per manufacturer instructions .
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
While argatroban has been studied and used in combination with warfarin, there may be an increased risk of bleeding when argatroban is given with drugs that affect hemostasis. It is important to avoid administering a loading dose of warfarin when initiating warfarin in the presence of argatroban. Argatroban prolonged INR but its combination with warfarin does not further affect vitamin K-dependent factor Xa activity compared with warfarin alone. During combination drug use, the INR should be measured daily. The INR associated with warfarin alone may be calculated per manufacturer instructions.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Combined effect on INR and additive anticoagulation
Warfarin Overview
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Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels. It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack. Warfarin is also used to treat or prevent venous thrombosis (swelling and blood clot in a vein) and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung). Warfarin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.