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Does Acetaminophen Interact With Warfarin?

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Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015
Question: I am on warfarin 6mg 6 days a week and 4mg 1 day. Recently started taking percocet 5-325 3 times a day.
My INR was off the charts, so high they could not get a reading. Any interaction? Also have been taking
mirtazapine 1.5mg tablet at bedtime. Also primidone 250mg 1/2 tablet 3 times a day. What is likely to have caused the elevated INR? No changes in diet, etc. Have been on warfarin 10 years so am well aware of what causes problems. The bruising is tremendous.
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need to remove acetaminophen. Possible interaction at present

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Percocet contain oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is known to interact with warfarin.
2. At this low dose, effect even though less, is known to occur.
3. Studies have shown that Moderate to high dose of acetaminophen while receiving warfarin results in supra therapeutic INR in few patients.
4. Additionally, increased liver enzymes suggests hepatic damage, which could increase acetaminophen presence and hence, increased INR.

Oxycodone alone can be tried, rather than in combination with acetaminophen. Do discuss with your doctor regarding it. Once liver enzymes return to normal, acetaminophen, if necessary can be started again at low dose.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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Does Acetaminophen Interact With Warfarin?

Brief Answer: Need to remove acetaminophen. Possible interaction at present Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Percocet contain oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is known to interact with warfarin. 2. At this low dose, effect even though less, is known to occur. 3. Studies have shown that Moderate to high dose of acetaminophen while receiving warfarin results in supra therapeutic INR in few patients. 4. Additionally, increased liver enzymes suggests hepatic damage, which could increase acetaminophen presence and hence, increased INR. Oxycodone alone can be tried, rather than in combination with acetaminophen. Do discuss with your doctor regarding it. Once liver enzymes return to normal, acetaminophen, if necessary can be started again at low dose. Hope it helps. Any further queries, here to help again. Dr. Prakash HM