Final answer:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. It has potential side effects such as bruising, bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding. The antidote for Warfarin is Vitamin K, and laboratory monitoring through regular blood tests is necessary to ensure the proper dosage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to prevent blood clots in stroke or heart attack patients. However, it can have potential side effects. Some common side effects of Warfarin include bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and heavy menstrual bleeding. In rare cases, it can cause serious bleeding in the stomach or brain.
The antidote for Warfarin is Vitamin K. If a patient on Warfarin experiences excessive bleeding, Vitamin K can be administered to reverse the effects and promote clotting.
Laboratory monitoring is crucial for patients taking Warfarin. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to measure the clotting ability of the blood and determine the appropriate Warfarin dosage. Regular blood tests are needed to ensure that the INR remains within the desired therapeutic range.