Time of day for Coumadin dose

[Dennis S]

When I first started taking Coumadin (August 4th surgery) I was told to take it in the evening (I think because any testing would be done earlier and not affected by that day's medication).

But I am finding that it would be easier to remember to take the drug in the morning, when I am in the habit of taking my vitamin pill. Any thoughts on whether the time of day for taking the Coumadin makes any significant difference?

 

[jeffp]

You should be OK switching from PM to AM without any special worries. The purists may suggest taking a 1/3 or 1/2 dose the night before you switch, or the AM of the switch, but as warfarin is a slowly metabolized and acting drug, you should be fine. Try to avoid randomly changing to AM to PM and vice versa every few day. That makes it real hard to keep the INR within range.

 

[Ross]

Nope, I take mine when I wake up. The only real reason I see for them to tell you to take it in the evening, is if they want to test and change dosages. If you self test and self regulate, take it anytime you want too.

 

[geebee]

I have always taken mine at lunchtime. Don't have a clue as to why, just the way my habits turned out.

I don't think there should be any problems with simply switching. If you are at all worried, just take the dose around 4PM one day and start with morning the next.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi,

I take my in the evening.

I do this because when I test in the morning, I can adjust my medication if needed with my evening dose. So, if I need to either increase or decrease my dose, I can do that within 12 hours of testing. If, on the other hand, I took my dose in the morning, then tested in the morning, I could not make adjustments until 24 hours later.


It may not be critical, but I have been managing my Coumidin this way since I started taking it 5 1/2 years ago.

Rob

 

[hayden]

5 PM everyday!!

 

[Guest]

The best time is when you won't forget it.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I take mine in the morning along with my 823 other pills.