Coumarin therapy in thrombosis

Oral anticoagulants are the most commonly used agents in the long-term prophylaxis and treatment of arterial and venous thrombotic disorders. As new and expanded indications for their use, such as the prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction or the treatment of systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation, are developed, the use of oral anticoagulants is rising. Also, in North America, oral anticoagulants are used commonly for preventing venous thromboembolism following orthopedic surgery. This article reviews the pharmacology of warfarin sodium, the most commonly used oral anticoagulant in North America, and discusses practical aspects of the use of this agent in thrombotic disorder management.