coumadin and stomach meds

[William]

Hi Folks, Does anyone have any info about the effects of Pepto-Bismol,Maalox, etc. on coumadin and the PT/INR? Thanks, Will

 

[bvdr]

Hi Will, I don't know how you will react to them but during the spells when I have needed to take them my INR was very unpredictable. I have come to the conclusion, that for me at least, the underlying problem creating the need for antacids is as much or more to blame than the medications themselves. Try to space your coumadin and antacids as far apart as possible. I think when I took them too close together it might have affected how well the warfarin was absorbed or something because I ended up having to increase my dosage. I'm currently taking Prevacid and have had to increase my coumadin again. My INR really dropped and I was put on Lovenox for several days before it finally got above 2.0.

You may react differently but I think you will need to watch it to see what happens.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

A pharmacist advised me NOT to take Pepto-Bismol while on Coumadin.

The standard recommendation for Antacids is NOT to take then within 2 hours (Before OR After) of the time you take your Coumadin.

'AL'

 

[Rich]

Hi Will,
Along with what Al said about timing, I was told only to take Mylanta.
Some of the others like Pepto-Bismol are aspirin based according to the pharmacist. The same holds true for over the counter cold and flu meds.
It has worked fine for me so far.
Rich

 

[Guest]

You guys should get honorary pharmacist degrees.

 

[Rich]

Al,
I hope that means we got it right.
And yes I am also typing like crazy, two fingers at a time.