Warfarin is classified as a vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant. It works by inhibiting the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is essential for recycling vitamin K needed for synthesizing active clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as regulatory proteins C and S. This inhibition prevents clot formation and is used clinically to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders. Its Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code is B01AA03, placing it within the blood and blood-forming organs group under antithrombotic agents, specifically vitamin K antagonists.
In summary, warfarin is:
- An oral anticoagulant drug
- A vitamin K antagonist
- Classified under ATC code B01AA03 (vitamin K antagonists)
- Used to prevent thrombosis and embolism
This classification highlights warfarin's role in inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors to reduce blood clotting.