Lack of effect of cimetidine on action of phenprocoumon

In patients on oral warfarin, nicoumalone and phenindione an increase in the anticoagulant effect has been described during concomitant treatment with cimetidine. Therefore the effect of cimetidine on the steady state dynamics of phenprocoumon has been investigated in ten outpatients. No change in the anticoagulant effect of phenprocoumon was observed during or after two weeks on cimetidine, as measured by the thrombotest coagulation method, prothrombin time, fibrinopeptide A concentration and plasma phenprocoumon level. The data show that cimetidine does not interact with the metabolism of phenprocoumon in contrast to warfarin. Thus, phenprocoumon maintenance therapy when combined with concomitant cimetidine treatment can be considered not to carry an increased risk of haemorrhagic complications.