What should be done if a dose of warfarin is missed?

In the context of managing a missed dose of warfarin, it is important to ensure patient safety and maintain the therapeutic anticoagulation effect. If a dose is missed, the recommended approach is to take the missed dose as soon as the patient remembers, provided it is not too close to the time for the next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose and continue with their regular dosing schedule.

The choice to resume with 5 mg and continue daily dosing reflects a conservative approach to resuming warfarin treatment after a miss. It allows for the maintenance of therapeutic levels without over-anticoagulating the patient. Many patients require individual adjustments based on their specific INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels, which can fluctuate due to diet, adherence, and other medications.

Consultation with a physician is only necessary if there are specific concerns about the overall management of anticoagulation therapy or if the patient is at higher risk for complications.

The other available options do not align with the best practices for managing missed doses of warfarin. Taking double the dose the next day can significantly increase the risk of bleeding due to over-anticoagulation. Skipping a dose and continuing with the regular schedule