Drug Interactions

Drug/Drug Class Effect on INR Recommendations/Comments
Acetaminophen/APAP ↑ with higher doses

Limit APAP to 2000mg/day

Alcohol
↑ with binging
↓ with chronic use

Limit to 1-2 EtOH drinks/day

Amiodarone slow ↑ over time

Complex interaction that takes place over 6-8 weeks. Ultimately expect 25-50% warfarin dose reduction. Check INR q1-2 weeks and make serial adjustments per INR.

Bosentan (Tracleer)

 

Capecitabine (Xeloda)

 

Carbamazepine

 

Dicloxacillin

More significant if course >14 days.

Doxycycline

Not always clinically significant if pt not systemically ill.

Fibrates

 

Flu Vaccine

Varies from year to year, but may cause transient rise in INR.

Fluconazole

Hold warfarin x1 for single dose. Expect 25-50% warfarin dose reduction for extended course.

Fluoroquinolones

Not always clinically significant if pt not systemically ill.

Mercaptopurine

 

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Expect 25-50% warfarin dose reduction.

Phenytoin ↓ or ↑

Complex interaction: initially ↑ INR, but then ↓ after prolonged administration. Additionally, warfarin may alter serum phenytoin concentrations.

Rifampin

Expect 2- to 5-fold increase in warfarin dose requirements.

Sulfamethoxazole (Septra/Bactrim)

Expect 25-50% warfarin dose reduction

Testosterone

 

Thyroid replacement

 

Increased Risk of Bleeding is Possible when Combining Warfarin With:

  • Antiplatelets
  • Fish Oil/Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • NSAIDs
  • Other Anticoagulants
  • Steroids
  • Vitamin E