Analgesics and warfarin. A case that brings up questions and cautions.

Author(s): Justice JL, Kline SS

Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, Medical College of Ohio at Toledo.

Publication date & source: 1988-04, Postgrad Med., 83(5):217-8, 220.

Publication type: Case Reports

This case report describes prolongation of a patient's prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time possibly due to coadministration of warfarin and an overdose of an acetaminophen-propoxyphene combination analgesic. Patients receive warfarin for many indications, and concomitant use of an analgesic agent is commonly required. These patients should be closely observed if a combination acetaminophen-propoxyphene product is prescribed. Finally, patients receiving warfarin should be warned about the risks of use (and overdose) of unprescribed medications.