warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease

Examples of warfarin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Senna's laxative effect may also increase the blood-thinning effect of the medication Coumadin (warfarin) and increase bleeding risk. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 1 July 2024

The anticoagulant warfarin, for example, is metabolized differently in people of Asian descent. —Tamei Elliott and Maria Vassileva, STAT, 26 June 2024

Most multivitamins contain vitamin K, which is involved in blood clotting and could potentially decrease the effectiveness of blood thinning medications, such as warfarin. —Casey Seiden, Verywell Health, 19 June 2024

Fenugreek and other herbs can also interfere with warfarin and other blood thinners to cause bleeding. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (its patentee) + coumarin

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ related to dicumarol that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease see coumadin