Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:33:52 +0000

CorrectQuestion: Which Enzyme Is Primarily Responsible for the Metabolism of Warfarin in the Liver? Warfarin, a widely prescribed anticoagulant, plays a vital role in preventing blood clots by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. However, its metabolism in the liver significantly influences drug efficacy, safety, and dosing precision. Understanding which enzyme primarily metabolizes warfarin is critical for clinicians and patients alike to avoid adverse effects such as bleeding or thrombosis. The Key Enzyme: Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) The primary enzyme responsible for metabolizing warfarin is Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). This liver enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of warfarin, converting it into inactive metabolites that are subsequently eliminated from the body. Because warfarin has three chirale forms—S-warfarin and R-warfarin—CYP2C9 metabolizes these compounds with differing efficiency: S-warfarin, the more potent form (approximately 3–5 times more active), is metabolized about 5–10 times faster than R-warfarin via CYP2C9.