Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

A patient taking Coumadin should avoid over-the-counter medications that contain what?

1. Ibuprofen

2. Aspirin

3. Acetaminophen

4. Naproxen

The correct answer is: Aspirin

Patients taking Coumadin, which is a brand name for warfarin, need to be cautious with over-the-counter medications due to the risk of increased bleeding. Aspirin is particularly significant in this context because it has anticoagulant properties and can enhance the effects of Coumadin. This combination can lead to a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or other bleeding complications. Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is an important mechanism in blood clotting. When combined with Coumadin, which also acts as a blood thinner, the effect can be cumulative and dangerous. In contrast, while ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can also increase bleeding risk, they are generally considered less concerning than aspirin in this context when used occasionally and in moderation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended as a safer alternative for pain relief, as it does not have blood-thinning properties and does not significantly interact with warfarin. Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective management of anticoagulant therapy.