Warfarin inhibits the synthesis of which clotting factors?

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Multiple Choice

Warfarin inhibits the synthesis of which clotting factors?

Explanation:
Warfarin blocks the liver’s recycling of vitamin K, so the gamma-carboxylation step that activates several clotting factors cannot occur. This specifically reduces the production of factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, which all require vitamin K for their activation. Factor VIII is not vitamin K–dependent, so its synthesis isn’t inhibited by warfarin. That’s why the correct set is II, VII, IX, and X. The effect is gradual because existing circulating factors must be degraded before anticoagulation becomes evident, which is why PT/INR monitoring is used.

Warfarin blocks the liver’s recycling of vitamin K, so the gamma-carboxylation step that activates several clotting factors cannot occur. This specifically reduces the production of factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, which all require vitamin K for their activation. Factor VIII is not vitamin K–dependent, so its synthesis isn’t inhibited by warfarin. That’s why the correct set is II, VII, IX, and X. The effect is gradual because existing circulating factors must be degraded before anticoagulation becomes evident, which is why PT/INR monitoring is used.

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