There has been a debate about the plausible interaction between cranberry juice and warfarin prescribed treatment. Through this article, we would learn about the possible side effects encountered by the administration of the drug.
Coumadin is a generic term used for warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that is prescribed by a medical practitioner for all those patients who are at risk for blood clots. Patients who are administered the drug begin with a marginal dosage; however, there is a modification in the dose prescribed when the patient is comfortable with the drug and has been consistent in adhering to the same. Thus, under the supervision of the doctor, the dosage is gradually increased for the patient. The anticlotting procedure continues until the patient continues with the administration of coumadin. However small in number, certain health-related issues have been reported and termed distinctly serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Problems related to the cranberry juice and warfarin consumption have involved health hazards, and has also claimed a life of an individual who was following medication prescribed by his consultant practitioner.
The Effects of Interaction
Cranberry juice contains antioxidants called flavonoids. The high concentrations of flavonoids may inhibit the functions of the enzymes that aid in the dissolution of warfarin in the body. However, prolificacy in research is essential in order to deem this hypothesis credible.
The relation between cranberry juice and warfarin has been researched. This has concluded in studies that lucidly reveal that the reaction involves the detoxification enzyme family CYP2C9. This enzyme family is required to breakdown the warfarin activity, so that the anticoagulation does not exceed the normal International Normalized Ratio (INR); the range being 2 to 3 INR. If the ratio, or the INR maintained, is higher than the prescribed ratio, the result could involve a pernicious incident of uncontrollable bleeding. There has been a debate on this issue -- even though it is now clear -- that cranberry juice does not inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme. Researchers are debating to date on whether cranberry juice consumption can trigger a reaction that is harmful and hazardous to human health. In certain studies that were conducted, results yield the following: When a dose of warfarin was administered and cranberry juice was also consumed, the inhibition of CYP2C9 enzyme failed to occur. Thus, it is always advisable to consult your health care specialist before you decide to incorporate cranberry juice in your diet accompanied with the coumadin dose.
Cranberry juice has certain benefits; for instance, the consumption of cranberry juice can protect one from urinary tract infection. With the benefits of Cranberry juice abounding, it also works as an anti-inflammatory tool, strengthens the immune system, and helps in lowering the LDL cholesterol. However, before you consume cranberry juice with warfarin, consult your healthcare professional before concluding with your personalized line of treatment.
There could be signs of uncontrolled bleeding that may occur if an expert consult is not garnered. Due to the anticoagulation activity, the troubles and risks that are undertaken by the patient are coughing up blood, blood in the stool and urine, getting bruised easily, nose and gum bleeding, and a significant drop in blood pressure. This mechanism occurs what with cranberries consisting substances that inhibit enzymes in the liver, thereby deactivating the metabolically efficient coumadin leading to low blood pressure. Elevated or higher INR and bleeding are problems encountered; however, besides these, other side effects, too, may occur. The purple toe syndrome that causes the small arteries in the feet to get blocked, gangrene (which may even lead to death), could be the other counter effects of the consumption.
One potential mechanism involves salicylic acid, a constituent in many fruits and vegetables, including cranberries. Diets primarily consisting vegetarian sources, increased serum, and keeping a check on the urinary concentrations of salicylates, are factors that must be borne in mind. This concentration often overlaps with concentrations measured in patients taking aspirin 75 mg/day. There are certain studies that explicate that cranberry juice has no side effects to offer. Coumadin is not in the position to exert any change and suppress any side effects of cranberry juice. The question of side effects has, thus remained elusive. There has been no solid evidence that takes the side of either being positive or being ruled out as a negative combination. It is required that a well-mechanized pro forma or mechanism is released in order to understand the true effects of coumadin.
Before you think of consuming cranberry juice and warfarin, bear in mind that you must consult your medical practitioner, as this may give you any of the aforementioned side effects. It is way better to garner an expert's advice rather than being self-prescriptive in nature.
