Vitamin K Antagonists
Vitamin K antagonists are a class of medications that inhibit the action of Vitamin K, a nutrient essential for blood clotting. By blocking the effects of Vitamin K, these drugs help prevent the formation of harmful blood clots, making them useful in treating conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
The most commonly known vitamin K antagonist is warfarin. Patients taking these medications require regular monitoring of their blood clotting levels to ensure the dosage is effective and safe. It is important for patients to maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K-rich foods, as fluctuations can affect the medication's efficacy.