Inhibition of warfarin anticoagulation associated with chelation therapy

Pharmacotherapy. 2002 Aug;22(8):1067-9. doi: 10.1592/phco.22.12.1067.33602.

Abstract

Chelation therapy originally was administered exclusively to patients with heavy metal poisoning. Now some physicians are administering this therapy for numerous conditions, most commonly coronary heart disease. A 64-year-old man experienced impaired warfarin anticoagulation after undergoing chelation therapy His international normalized ratio (INR) fell from 2.6 the day before to 1.6 the day after therapy was administered. Whether chelation therapy decreases the effectiveness of warfarin anticoagulation is uncertain. However, because of this potential interaction, clinicians should consider increased INR monitoring in patients undergoing chelation therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects*
  • Chelation Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Drug Interactions*
  • Edetic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Edetic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / blood
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Warfarin / administration & dosage
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin
  • Edetic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid