Warfarin Tablet Strengths
Yes, Coumadin (warfarin) is available in milligram-strength tablets ranging from 1 mg to 10 mg. 1
Available Tablet Strengths
According to the FDA drug label, warfarin sodium tablets are manufactured in the following milligram strengths 1:
- 1 mg (pink tablet with D&C red no. 6 barium lake)
- 2 mg (lavender tablet with FD&C blue no. 2 and FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lakes)
- 2.5 mg (green tablet with D&C yellow no. 10 and FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lakes)
- 3 mg (tan tablet with FD&C yellow no. 6, FD&C blue no. 2, and FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lakes)
- 4 mg (blue tablet with FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lake)
- 5 mg (peach tablet with FD&C yellow no. 6 aluminum lake)
- 6 mg (teal tablet with FD&C yellow no. 6 and FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lakes)
- 7.5 mg (yellow tablet with D&C yellow no. 10 and FD&C yellow no. 6 aluminum lakes)
- 10 mg (white tablet, dye-free)
Clinical Relevance
The wide range of tablet strengths allows for precise dose titration, which is critical given warfarin's narrow therapeutic index and marked inter-individual dose variability—therapeutic doses can range from as low as 1 mg to 10 mg daily. 2
Important Considerations
Color-coding system: Each strength has a distinct color to minimize dispensing and administration errors, which is particularly important given the serious consequences of warfarin dosing errors. 1
Generic equivalence: Multiple studies have demonstrated that generic warfarin formulations are safely interchangeable with brand-name Coumadin, showing no differences in INR control or dosage adjustment requirements. 3
Dose adjustments: The availability of multiple tablet strengths facilitates the 5-20% weekly dose adjustments typically recommended for INR management, avoiding the need to split tablets in most cases. 4, 5