title: Long-term use of oral anticoagulants. Current recommendations.
abstract: In many patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulation therapy, hemorrhagic complications occur less often when prothrombin time is maintained within a lower range than that required by a traditional regimen. A target prothrombin time ratio of 1.3 to 1.5 has been recommended for all circumstances except (1) prevention of thromboembolism in patients with mechanical heart valves and (2) prevention of recurrent systemic embolism. Because primary care physicians often monitor the overall treatment program of patients receiving oral anticoagulants, they need to be familiar with the indications, contraindications, and practical considerations that are associated with the use of these drugs.
authors.affiliation: Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sebastian
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Varkey
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants