Falithrom is a medication widely known as a blood-thinning agent, specifically an oral anticoagulant. Its generic name is phenprocoumon, and it belongs to a class of drugs called coumarins. Falithrom is primarily prescribed as a preventive treatment for blood clotting disorders, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or those who have a history of blood clots.
The mechanism of action of Falithrom involves inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver, thereby hindering the blood's ability to form clots. This aids in preventing the occurrence of dangerous blood clots that may obstruct blood vessels and lead to complications such as strokes, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolisms. Notably, Falithrom is not designed to dissolve existing clots but serves to minimize the risk of new clot formation.
The dosage of Falithrom varies depending on the patient's individual factors, such as their blood clotting tendencies, age, weight, and underlying medical conditions. To ensure the drug's effectiveness and safety, close monitoring of blood clotting levels is necessary, typically through regular blood tests. Adjustments to the dosage may be made based on these test results to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect while minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding.
Due to its potent anticoagulant properties, Falithrom carries a significant risk of bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to more severe hemorrhaging. Therefore, precautions need to be taken when using this medication, particularly by adhering strictly to the prescribed dosage and following any accompanying guidelines or instructions provided by the healthcare professional.
