Study of the prevalence of acute and chronic poisoning with Warfarin at Sina hospital of Tabriz between 2013 and 2017

Abstract

Warfarin is an anti-coagulant drug affects by inhibiting production of vitamin K. It has many interactions with many drugs by binding to albumin and interfering of enzymes in the pathway to metabolism. The anti-coagulant effect begins within 36-48 hours and is used to prevent heart disease and embolism. Because of its narrow therapeutic index, the risk of poisoning is common with bleeding disorders. Effects and poisoning are evaluated by measuring PT and INR Aim This study’s aim was to investigate the frequency of poisoning with warfarin at Sina hospital of Tabriz between 2013-2017 Methods & patients In this study we interviewed 144 warfarin-poisoned patients with following up of their records. Demographic characteristics, poisoning causes, its controlling methods, and its results were analyzed by Chi-square and regression tests using SPSS software package . Results Most of the patients are between 60 -80 years old that live in Tabriz and they are made of non-edaculated people who do not have any information about their disease or side effects of the drugs. Mostly the cause of poisoning was accidental with the chronic of medication . the most common occurred side effect is ecchymosis and the atmost drug which have interaction with warfarin NSAIDs and SSRIs Conclusion Since the most of our patients were above 70 years old, we recommend administration of warfarin for these patients to be under control with caution. In this study, the reason for the most of warfarin poisoning was lack of patients' awareness about warfarin's adverse effects and its interactions with other drugs. Giving sufficient information to the patients by clinicians and pharmacists is essential