Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Warfarin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions. Warfarin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warfarin, sold under the brand name Coumadin among others, is used as an anticoagulant medication. [11][8] It is commonly used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to protect against stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, or artificial heart valves. [11] Warfarin (Coumadin® and Jantoven®) is an anticoagulant medication or “blood thinner” you take to prevent and treat blood clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Warfarin slows down your blood’s ability to clot. Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Warfarin (Coumadin): The Traditional Oral Anticoagulant Warfarin, also known as Coumadin, has been a key part of treating blood clots for decades. It’s used to stop blood clots in people with different health issues. Mechanism of Action and Indications Warfarin stops the liver from making certain clotting factors. Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Several studies have confirmed that 5mg initiation achieves therapeutic anticoagulation as rapidly as 10mg initiation but with a lower frequency of supra-therapeutic INRs. Common Brand Name (s): Coumadin, Jantoven Common Generic Name (s): warfarin, warfarin Na, warfarin sodium Pronunciation: JAN-to-ven, WAR-far-in Drug Classes: anticoagulant, vitamin K antagonist What is Coumadin? Coumadin is prescription medicine used to treat blood clots and to lower the chance of blood clots forming in your body. Blood clots can cause a stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions if they form in the legs or lungs.