Dicumarol
Dicumarol is an oral anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the blood. It is primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and certain heart conditions.
Dicumarol is an oral blood thinner used to prevent and treat harmful blood clots.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AA01
- RxNorm
- 1598
- Generic
- Dicumarol
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
dicumarol is contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenic risk and risk of fetal hemorrhage
regular fetal ultrasound monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
avoid use near delivery due to risk of maternal and fetal bleeding
close maternal and fetal monitoring if use unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
dicumarol passes into breast milk in small amounts; monitor infant for bleeding signs
observe infant for bruising, bleeding, or unusual fussiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose and titrate slowly
increased sensitivity to anticoagulant effects; increased bleeding risk in elderly
more frequent INR monitoring and assessment for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing with frequent adjustments
use in pediatric patients requires specialized pediatric dosing protocols and close monitoring
frequent INR monitoring, growth monitoring in long-term use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose and extend dosing interval
dicumarol is partially renally excreted; accumulation may occur in renal impairment
frequent INR monitoring, monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose
impaired synthesis of clotting factors may enhance anticoagulant effect
frequent INR monitoring, monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for Dicumarol as an oral anticoagulant
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Dicumarol
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Used to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, and reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks. May also be used following heart valve replacement surgery.
Dicumarol is a coumarin derivative that acts as a vitamin K antagonist. It inhibits the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X), thereby reducing the blood's ability to clot.
Requires regular INR monitoring to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent bleeding complications. Has numerous drug and food interactions, particularly with vitamin K-rich foods. Contraindicated in active bleeding, pregnancy, and severe liver or kidney disease. Effect may take several days to manifest and careful dose adjustment is essential.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy