Which agent is the antidote for warfarin overdose?

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Multiple Choice

Which agent is the antidote for warfarin overdose?

Explanation:
Warfarin overdose is reversed by vitamin K because warfarin blocks the enzyme that recycles vitamin K, leaving the liver unable to activate the vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Reintroducing vitamin K allows the liver to resume production of these factors, restoring the blood’s ability to clot. For non-urgent cases, oral vitamin K is used; in serious bleeding, intravenous vitamin K is given along with rapid-reversal options like prothrombin complex concentrates or fresh frozen plasma to provide clotting factors quickly. Other agents listed serve different purposes (protamine sulfate reverses heparin; calcium gluconate treats calcium-related issues) and are not antidotes for warfarin.

Warfarin overdose is reversed by vitamin K because warfarin blocks the enzyme that recycles vitamin K, leaving the liver unable to activate the vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Reintroducing vitamin K allows the liver to resume production of these factors, restoring the blood’s ability to clot. For non-urgent cases, oral vitamin K is used; in serious bleeding, intravenous vitamin K is given along with rapid-reversal options like prothrombin complex concentrates or fresh frozen plasma to provide clotting factors quickly. Other agents listed serve different purposes (protamine sulfate reverses heparin; calcium gluconate treats calcium-related issues) and are not antidotes for warfarin.

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