Dicoumarol

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia


Dicoumarol

Chemical structure of Dicoumarol

Dicoumarol is a naturally occurring anticoagulant that functions as a vitamin K antagonist. It is a derivative of coumarin, a compound found in many plants. Dicoumarol was first discovered in spoiled sweet clover hay, which led to the bleeding disease in cattle known as "sweet clover disease."

History

The discovery of dicoumarol dates back to the 1920s when farmers noticed that cattle feeding on spoiled sweet clover hay were suffering from severe bleeding. In 1939, Karl Paul Link and his team at the University of Wisconsin identified dicoumarol as the causative agent. This discovery paved the way for the development of warfarin, a widely used anticoagulant in humans.

Mechanism of Action

Dicoumarol acts by inhibiting the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is crucial for the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. These factors include factor II (prothrombin), factor VII, factor IX, and factor X. By inhibiting their synthesis, dicoumarol reduces the blood's ability to clot, thus acting as an anticoagulant.

Clinical Use

Although dicoumarol was initially used as an anticoagulant in humans, it has largely been replaced by warfarin due to its more predictable pharmacokinetics and ease of monitoring. However, dicoumarol is still of historical interest and is used in research settings to study the effects of vitamin K antagonism.

Side Effects

The primary side effect of dicoumarol, like other anticoagulants, is an increased risk of bleeding. This can manifest as bruising, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, or more severe hemorrhagic events. Patients on dicoumarol require careful monitoring of their prothrombin time or INR (International Normalized Ratio) to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained without excessive bleeding risk.

Related Compounds

Dicoumarol is structurally related to other coumarin derivatives, including warfarin and acenocoumarol. These compounds share a similar mechanism of action but differ in their pharmacokinetic properties and clinical applications.

Related Pages

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD