Effect of Phenobarbital and Glutethimide on Biological Half-Life of Warfarin

M Corn

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1655648

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 1966; 16(03/04): 606-612
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1655648

Originalarbeiten — Original Articles — Travaux Originaux

Schattauer GmbH

Effect of Phenobarbital and Glutethimide on Biological Half-Life of Warfarin

M Corn M. D.

¹George Washington University Medical Division, District of Columbia General Hospital, Washington, D.C.

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Abstract

Summary

The administration of phenobarbital or glutethimide significantly decreased the half-life of warfarin in 21 of 34 hospitalized patients. Patients who demonstrated a decrease could not be distinguished from apparent non-responders by age, weight, sex, or race. These sedatives did not detectably affect gastrointestinal absorption of warfarin. The observed decrease in warfarin half-life supports the concept that barbiturates and other drugs can increase the concentration of some drug-metabolizing enzymes. Since anticoagulating activity of coumarins is related to drug half-life, it is suggested that barbiturates or glutethimide therapy be discontinued in patients who appear refractory to anticoagulation with coumarins.

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References

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