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Journal of Pharmacy Practice
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Anticoagulation in the Elderly

Mary B. Dowd, Pharm D

Department at the Alle-Kiski Medical Center—West Penn Allegheny Health System, Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, mdowd{at}wpahs.org

Oral anticoagulation has been shown to provide great benefit in preventing and treating thromboembolic disorders. The challenges of oral anticoagulation management in the elderly involve balancing the risks of bleeding versus the benefits of a life-saving treatment. Due to the complex nature of warfarin, therapy must be individualized with frequent monitoring, re-education, and adjustments based on concurrent illness and drug therapy. This review focuses on the use of warfarin, including indications, dosing recommendations, drug and dietary interactions, and reversal of anticoagulation. Methods to determine bleeding risks in this population and barriers that interfere with the prescribing of warfarin are discussed. Strategies to improve patient outcome and reduce adverse events are provided to assist clinicians in their decision-making skills. The potential advantages of anticoagulation clinics are summarized with regards to coordinating the care and minimizing the risks of anticoagulant therapy. The role of new-generation anticoagulants is also discussed as to their place in therapy.

Key Words: Warfarin • atrial fibrillation • elderly • bleeding risk • management

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 17, No. 2, 94-102 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0897190004263214
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