What is the mechanism of action of warfarin?

Mechanism of action — Warfarin and related vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) block the function of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex in the liver, leading to depletion of the reduced form of vitamin K that serves as a cofactor for gamma carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors [1].

What is the teratogenic effect of warfarin?

Warfarin is known to be teratogenic, producing characteristic abnormalities, namely a hypoplastic nose, stippled epiphyses, and skeletal abnormalities. A variety of ocular abnormalities have been reported.

Why does warfarin cross placenta?

Warfarin readily crosses the placenta because of its low molecular weight, and is associated with a distinctive embryopathy known as fetal warfarin syndrome when exposure occurs between the sixth and twelfth weeks of gestation.

What does warfarin do to a fetus?

Unfortunately, warfarin crosses the placenta and is associated with increased rates of fetal loss. Warfarin is also associated with teratogenic lesions if used in the first trimester and the use later in gestation carries the risk of fetal haemorrhagic complications and maternal haemorrhage during labour.

What does vitamin K epoxide reductase do?

Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein, is the key enzyme for vitamin K–dependent carboxylation, a posttranslational modification that is essential for the biological functions of coagulation factors. VKOR is the target of the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant, warfarin.

How does warfarin prevent clotting?

Warfarin blocks one of the enzymes that uses vitamin K to make some of the clotting factors, and in turn reduces their ability to work correctly in the blood. As a result, the clotting mechanism is disrupted and it takes longer for the blood to clot.

Can warfarin be given in pregnancy?

Answer: If possible, warfarin therapy should be avoided during pregnancy. If warfarin therapy is essential, it should be avoided at least during the first trimester (because of teratogenicity) and from about 2 to 4 weeks before delivery to reduce risk of hemorrhagic complications.

What is teratogenic action?

Teratogenic drugs: A teratogen is an agent that can disturb the development of the embryo or fetus. Teratogens halt the pregnancy or produce a congenital malformation (a birth defect). Classes of teratogens include radiation, maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs.

Why is heparin preferred over warfarin in pregnancy?

For the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease in pregnant patients, heparin is the preferred anticoagulant because its efficacy and safety are established.

Does warfarin cross the placental barrier?

Warfarin is listed as pregnancy category D, does cross the placenta, but is not found in breast milk. LMWH is listed as pregnancy category B, does not cross the placenta, and is not found in breast milk.

Why is warfarin not safe for pregnancy?

Use of warfarin in pregnancy can cause bleeding behind the placenta. This type of bleeding can cause reduced fetal growth, placental abruption, and stillbirth (if severe). The chance of preterm delivery is also higher.

How does blood thinner help pregnancy?

Some pregnant women with thrombophilias need treatment with medicines called blood thinners. They stop clots from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming.

How does warfarin inhibit vitamin K epoxide reductase?

Warfarin Inhibits Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase By Specifically Blocking at a Conformational and Redox State | Blood | American Society of Hematology.

How does warfarin inhibit vitamin K?

The anticoagulant warfarin inhibits the vitamin K oxidoreductase (VKORC1), which generates vitamin K hydroquinone (KH2) required for the carboxylation and consequent activation of vitamin K–dependent (VKD) proteins. VKORC1 produces KH2 in 2 reactions: reduction of vitamin K epoxide (KO) to quinone (K), and then KH2.

What is the mechanism of action for anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants achieve their effect by suppressing the synthesis or function of various clotting factors that are normally present in the blood. Such drugs are often used to prevent the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the veins or arteries or the enlargement of a clot that is circulating in the bloodstream.

Is warfarin an anticoagulant or antiplatelet?

Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body’s process of making clots. Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.

What is antidote for warfarin?

Vitamin K (phytonadione)

What are 3 examples of teratogens?

Common teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, uncontrolled health problems in the birthing parent. Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that can cause harmful effects on the fetus after exposure at any time during pregnancy.

What are 5 types of teratogens?

A teratogen is any agent that disrupts a baby’s development when a person is exposed to it during pregnancy. Known teratogens include alcohol, smoking, toxic chemicals, radiation, viruses, some maternal health conditions, and certain prescription drugs.

Why does heparin not cross placenta?

D. H E P A R I N is a mucopolysaccharide with a molecular weight of about 16,000. Because of its molecular size, it was thought not to cross the placental barrier. lw3 Recently, we learned of a study by Stamm4 in which he concluded that there is no transport of heparin across the placenta.