Coumadin and Vitamin K Rich Foods

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Coumadin and Vitamin K Rich Foods

• The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
  Service

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Coumadin

• What is it?
• What do Coumadin pills look like?

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Coumadin

• What is a blood clot?
• What happens if you get a blood clot?

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Recommended dosage

• Your doctor will determine the right dose for you
• A prothrombin test will be done
• also known as Pro-time, PT, or INR test
• this procedure should be done regularly

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Expected PT Values

• If not on coumadin PT is 12
• If on coumadin PT is greater than 12

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When should you not take Coumadin?

• Surgery
• Stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Spinal puncture or lumbar block anesthesia
• Infections of the heart

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Before Taking Coumadin Tell Your Doctor About

• Any heart, kidney or liver disease
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Diabetes or cancer
• Any problems with blood or blood vessels
• Thyroid disease
• Any medications
• Any plans for surgery

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Side Effects of Coumadin

• Severe bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Bloody or tarry stools

• Blood in urine
• Blood in vomit
• Jaundice
• Others are possible

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Using Coumadin Correctly

• Take Coumain exactly as prescribed
• Always take at the same time of the day
• Exercise regularly
• Have your Pro-time checked regularly
• Never take a double dose
• Take each dose with a full glass of water
• Do not stop taking without doctors permission
• Do not make sudden changes to your diet

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What is Vitamin K?

• A fat soluble vitamin
• Controls blood clotting
• Foods decrease effects of Coumadin
• Consumption should be consistent

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Vitamin K rich foods

• Liver
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Coriander
• Chick peas
• kale

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Vitamin K rich foods

• Mustard greens, turnips, Collards
• Cabbage
• Parsley
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Cheddar cheese
• Oats
• Green tea
• Soybeans
• Cottonseed, canola and olive oil

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Have any questions?

• Post the phone numbers of your doctor, pharmacist
  and registered dietitian for any questions or
  concerns you may have.

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True or False

• When you are on coumadin, you cannot eat any
  foods with Vitamin K at all.
• Leafy greens are a major source of Vitamin K.
• It is safe to take coumadin when you are having
  surgery.

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Review

• What does coumadin do?
• Why do you need to be sure to get your pro-time
  test regularly if you are on coumadin?
• Why is it important to eat consistent amounts of
  vitamin K foods everyday?