Can I take Warfarin and Amoxicillin together?

Por qué sucede esto

Warfarin works by blocking vitamin K, which the body needs to clot blood. Some of this vitamin K is produced by 'friendly' bacteria in your gut. Amoxicillin can kill these bacteria, leading to lower vitamin K levels and making the warfarin effect much stronger. Amoxicillin may also slightly interfere with how the liver processes warfarin.

You must inform the healthcare professional who manages your warfarin (such as your GP or anticoagulant clinic) that you have started amoxicillin. They will likely need to perform an extra blood test (INR test) within 3 to 5 days of starting the antibiotic to check if your dose needs adjusting. Seek medical help immediately if you notice blood in your urine or stools, or if you have a nosebleed that won't stop.

Riesgo de sangrado

Warfarin increases your risk of serious bleeding. You must seek immediate medical attention if you have a fall, a head injury, or notice signs of internal bleeding such as dark/tarry stools or coughing up blood.

Interacción de medicamentos

Taking amoxicillin while on warfarin can further increase your risk of bleeding. You will need more frequent blood tests (INR) to monitor your clotting levels while taking this antibiotic.

Embarazo

La warfarina puede causar daños graves a un bebé no nacido. Debe usar anticonceptivos efectivos mientras la toma y informar a su médico de inmediato si piensa que está embarazada.

Penicillin allergy

Do not take amoxicillin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin. A severe reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening.

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking warfarin. Alcohol can affect how your liver processes the medicine, which may increase your risk of bleeding or cause your INR levels to become unstable. If you do drink, keep it to a minimum and do not binge drink.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking amoxicillin. While there is no direct chemical interaction, alcohol can dehydrate you and interfere with your sleep, which may slow down your recovery from infection. Additionally, both alcohol and amoxicillin can cause stomach upset or nausea, and combining them may make these side effects worse.

Alimentos ricos en vitamina K (por ejemplo, espinacas, col rizada, brócoli, coles de Bruselas, espárragos)

La vitamina K ayuda a que la sangre coagule, lo cual contrarresta el efecto de la warfarina. No es necesario evitar completamente estos alimentos, pero debes mantener la cantidad que consumes de manera constante. Un aumento o disminución repentina en la ingesta de vitamina K puede alterar la efectividad de tu warfarina.

Cranberry juice and Goji berries

Cranberry juice and goji berry products can significantly increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin, leading to a higher risk of bruising or bleeding. It is best to avoid these while taking warfarin.

Jugo de toronja

El jugo de pomelo puede aumentar los niveles de warfarina en su sangre, lo que puede incrementar su riesgo de sangrado. Es mejor evitar el jugo de pomelo.

Jugo de granada

Algunas evidencias sugieren que el jugo de granada puede interactuar con la warfarina y aumentar el riesgo de sangrado. Es mejor evitarlo.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Verificador de Interacciones de Medicamentos helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Descargo de responsabilidad

Esta información es solo para fines educativos generales y no debe considerarse como un sustituto del consejo médico profesional. Siempre consulte a su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico u otro profesional de la salud calificado antes de tomar decisiones sobre sus medicamentos. Las circunstancias individuales pueden variar, y solo un profesional de la salud que conozca su historial médico puede proporcionar orientación personalizada.