Warfarin (C19H16O4 ) is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat thromboembolism (formation of blood clots in blood vessels and their migration throughout the body) and prevent stroke in patients with previous heart attack (myocardial infarction (MI)) and atrial fibrillation (AF). It is a vitamin K antagonist, so inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K dependent clotting factors. The most common side effect is bleeding and there is a fine line between too high a dose to cause bleeding and too low a dose so not preventing clots forming. Regular monitoring by blood test (INR) is essential to ensure the correct dose for the patient is taken. Warfarin interacts with numerous other medications, herbal supplements and foods, so patients need to be very aware of this and ensure they consult their pharmacist or doctor before taking any other medication, herb or vitamin, and should not significantly change the content of their diet without appropriate advice. Warfarin was initially introduced in 1948 as a pesticide against rats and mice and is still used for this purpose. It was approved for use as a medication in 1954 and has remained popular ever since due its potential to save so many lives. Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of dicoumarol, which is derived from coumarin, a sweet-smelling chemical found naturally in “sweet” clover, tonka beans (also known as “cumaru”) and many other plants. The name “warfarin” comes from its discovery at the University of Wisconsin, using the acronym WARF for Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation that funded the key research into its development; and the ending “-arin” indicating its link with coumarin.
The cache is a small tube hidden along a quiet hinterland road. There are some nice views here of the surrounding countryside. The log may be difficult to retrieve – tweezers or a similar tool would be highly recommended.
FTF prize is a "happy pill" with a message inside. Please do not swallow!
CONGRATULATIONS to Gullivers Travels54 & Cantcacheus2014 on FTF !!!