When initiating warfarin therapy, clinicians should avoid loading doses-tha
t can raise the International Normalized Ratio (INR) excessively; instead,
warfarin should be initiated with a 5-mg dose (or 2 to 4 mg in the very eld
erly). With a 5-mg initial dose, the INR will not rise appreciably in the f
irst 24 hours, except in rare patients who will ultimately require a very s
mall daily dose (0.5 to 2.0 mg). Adjusting a steady-slate warfarin dose dep
ends on the measured INR values and clinical factors: the dose does not nee
d to be adjusted for a single INR that is slightly out of range, and most c
hanges should alter the total weekly dose by 5% to 20%. The INR should be m
onitored frequently (eg, 2 to 4 times per week) immediately after initiatio
n of warfarin; subsequently, the interval between INR tests can be lengthen
ed gradually (up to a maximum of 4 to 6 weeks) in patients with Stable INR
values. Patients who have an elevated INR will need more frequent testing a
nd may also require vitamin K1. For example, a nonbleeding patient with an
INR of 9 can be given low-dose vitamin K1 (eg, 2.5 mg phytonadione, by mout
h). Patients who have an excessive INR with clinically important bleeding r
equire clotting factors leg, fresh-frozen plasma) as well as vitamin K1. Am
J Med. 2000;109:481-488. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.