What therapeutic range should the INR be for a patient taking warfarin?

For a patient taking warfarin, the therapeutic range for the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is typically between 2 and 3. This range is established to effectively prevent thromboembolic events while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that requires careful monitoring, as its effects can vary significantly between individuals and with dietary changes, medications, and other factors.

An INR within the range of 2 to 3 indicates that the blood's clotting time is prolonged sufficiently to provide therapeutic benefits, such as preventing deep vein thrombosis or stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Monitoring the INR ensures that it remains within this range, as values below 2 may not provide adequate anticoagulation and values above 3 heighten the risk of bleeding complications.

The ranges above and below 2 to 3 refer to scenarios that are either subtherapeutic or too high for safe use of warfarin. For example, an INR of 1-2 is generally considered too low for most therapeutic purposes. Meanwhile, an INR of 3-4 or higher might be appropriate in special circumstances under close supervision but is generally not the standard therapeutic range for most patients on warfarin.