What medication is used for long-term anticoagulation therapy?

Warfarin is a medication that serves as an anticoagulant and is widely used for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is essential for the synthesis of various clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as proteins C and S. By reducing the availability of vitamin K, Warfarin effectively decreases the formation of blood clots, making it a critical tool in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, as well as for patients with atrial fibrillation or prosthetic heart valves.

The use of Warfarin requires careful monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained and to minimize the risk of bleeding complications. This long-term management aspect distinguishes it from other medications listed, which do not serve the purpose of long-term anticoagulation therapy.