Patient was educated on effects of protein on Coumadin function as follows: Coumadin is a drug that can be highly bound to protein. Protein bound drug cannot exert the anticoagulant effect and it is the unbound free form of Coumadin that is effective as an anticoagulant. So, any mechanism that will influence the protein binding of Coumadin, will influence the anticoagulant behavior of the medication. For example, a diet high in protein can result in [...]
Patient was instructed to report any of the following findings while taking Aspirin: Nosebleeds that do not stop even after applying pressure on the site for 5 minutes. Bleeding from the gums. Red colored urine reflecting bleeding in the urine. Fresh blood in the stool, reflecting bleeding per rectum. Brown black stools, reflecting partially digested blood from the bleeding source up in the stomach or small intestine. Prolonged menstrual bleed, signifying difficulty to clot due [...]
Patient was educated on foods that enhance the actions of Coumadin as follows: There are some food sources that potentiate the actions of Coumadin and thereby, increase the risk for bleeding. Alcohol can compete with Coumadin for protein binding and take up some sites on protein for binding. This leaves freer form of Coumadin available for anticoagulation, increasing the risk for bleeding. So, alcohol consumption along with this medication is strongly discouraged. Cranberry juice and [...]
Patient was instructed regarding the dietary sources of vitamin K as follows: Moderation is recommended on the following food items with a patient on Coumadin Kale Brussels sprouts Broccoli Basil Cabbage Collard greens Mustard greens Turnip greens Parsley Spinach Swiss Chard Green tea Herbal supplements
Patient was educated on how vitamin K affects Coumadin levels as follows: Vitamin K and Coumadin act against one another and the amount of vitamin K in your diet can influence the net effects of Coumadin. For example, if the vitamin K intake is less, the action of Coumadin is unhindered and so, even though the patient takes regular recommended dose of Coumadin, this dose could be high for the patient, because the vitamin K [...]
