Coumadin (Warfarin) Sodium

Abstract

THE introduction of bishydroxycoumarin (Dicumarol) about fifteen years ago evoked a voluminous literature on the use of anticoagulant treatment for the prevention and control of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders. The early reports demonstrated that Dicumarol, by virtue of its depressing effect on the level or activity of plasma prothrombin, was an effective in vivo anticoagulant that could be usefully employed for the treatment of thrombosis and thromboembolism — particularly venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These experiences also brought to light certain shortcomings of the drug.A number of reports dealt with the prothrombin-depressing properties of congeners of the original Dicumarol. . . .