What is the antidote for warfarin anticoagulation?

What is the antidote for warfarin anticoagulation?

• A. Protamine sulfate
• B. Fresh frozen plasma
• C. Vitamin K
• D. Calcium gluconate

Answer: (C)

Warfarin blocks the activation of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Replacing vitamin K directly addresses the mechanism by allowing the liver to regenerate these functional factors, restoring normal coagulation. The reversal isn’t instant, but vitamin K is the antidote that stops the drug’s effect and enables factor activation again. In emergencies, products like fresh frozen plasma can provide clotting factors immediately, but they don’t reverse the drug’s action itself. Protamine sulfate reverses heparin, and calcium gluconate treats calcium-related issues, not warfarin.

Warfarin blocks the activation of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Replacing vitamin K directly addresses the mechanism by allowing the liver to regenerate these functional factors, restoring normal coagulation. The reversal isn’t instant, but vitamin K is the antidote that stops the drug’s effect and enables factor activation again. In emergencies, products like fresh frozen plasma can provide clotting factors immediately, but they don’t reverse the drug’s action itself. Protamine sulfate reverses heparin, and calcium gluconate treats calcium-related issues, not warfarin.