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Anticoagulation - oral - Management
Basis for recommendation
These recommendations are based on Guidelines on oral anticoagulation (warfarin): third edition — 2005 update, published by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology [Baglin et al, 2006], and are consistent with American evidence-based guidelines [Ansell et al, 2008; Kearon et al, 2008], guidance published by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE, 2006], and the British National Formulary [BNF 57, 2009].
- Heparin is administered concomitantly with warfarin to provide immediate anticoagulation, as it takes 2–3 days for warfarin to take effect, even with a loading dose.
- Older people:
- The reduced dose of warfarin in older people and in people with comorbidities is based on expert opinion.
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