An increased sensitivity to oral anticoagulants has been observed among elderly Caucasians [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], which means that elderly patients require less dosage of warfarin than younger patients for optimal anticoagulant therapy.

Why are elderly more sensitive to warfarin?

Thus, older patients are more sensitive to warfarin compared to younger patients. Age related changes in drug response are multifactorial with decline in clearance, albumin binding, or renal excretion contributing to pharmacokinetic changes.

How does warfarin affect elderly?

The most serious side effect of warfarin is bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Age is an independent risk factor for bleeding on anticoagulant therapy [37, 38] and warfarin is associated with an increased risk of bleeding compared with aspirin therapy (HR 1.71) [39].

How does age affect INR?

Patients aged 65 years or older appear to experience major bleeding events at lower INRs than those younger than 65 years. As age increases, the INR at which major bleeding events occur decreases.

What happens if warfarin levels are too high?

A value higher than 3.5 increases the risk of bleeding problems. Many things can affect the way warfarin works. Some natural health products and other medicines can make warfarin work too well. That can raise the risk of bleeding.

What causes warfarin sensitivity?

While changes in specific genes, particularly CYP2C9 and VKORC1, affect how the body reacts to warfarin, many other factors, including sex, age, weight, diet, and other medications, also play a role in the body’s interaction with this drug.

What increases warfarin sensitivity?

Increased sensitivity to warfarin anticoagulation is usually attributed to liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or drug interactions.

Why is warfarin being discontinued?

Warfarin is most commonly discontinued because of physician preference, patient refusal, and bleeding events.

What are major side effects of warfarin?

What are the side effects of warfarin?

• Severe bleeding, including heavier than normal menstrual bleeding.
• Red or brown urine.
• Black or bloody stool.
• Severe headache or stomach pain.
• Joint pain, discomfort or swelling, especially after an injury.
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Coughing up blood.

What are the indications for warfarin?

The three most common indications for warfarin therapy are; • atrial fibrillation (AF) • venous thromboemolism (VTE), and • prosthetic heart valves. Atrial fibrillation is probably the most common indication for warfarin therapy in our community.

Which of the following is the greatest risk factor for warfarin associated intracranial bleeding?

Older age increases the risk of major hemorrhage, particularly intracranial hemorrhage, in patients with atrial fibrillation, whether or not they are taking warfarin.

Does warfarin cause memory loss?

Researchers say study is the first to show dementia risk in warfarin-treated patients regardless of indication.

Can you eat bananas while taking warfarin?

So, go bananas! But be sure to eat green bananas in normal portions and make sure you keep testing your regular blood test to make sure your INR doesn’t drop below your target range.

Can high INR cause confusion?

Numbness or drooping on one side of your face. Weakness in an arm or leg. Confusion or difficulty speaking. Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss.