The dictator’s successor wrote in his 1970 memoirs that a former security chief had confessed the murder to him. Whether it was an overdose of warfarin that killed Stalin will likely remain a matter of speculation. Warfarin tablets, 5mg (pink), 3mg (blue) and 1mg (brown)
Moreover, warfarin interacts strongly with many common drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories including aspirin and ibuprofen. Each individual’s metabolism and genetic background dictates how they handle the drug, which can make finding the correct dosage quite tricky. However, while life-saving in certain situations, warfarin can also cause uncontrolled bleeding. Since the drug inhibits coagulation, but doesn’t really change the blood’s viscosity, the common notation of warfarin as a ‘blood thinner’ is somewhat misleading. Warfarin inhibits certain enzymes within that cascade that depend on vitamin K, which is why the vitamin is a potent antidote. They run through a complex enzymatic cascade and eventually produce fibrin, a protein that changes blood from a liquid to a gel. As soon as the body detects a damaged blood vessel, it activates specialised cells. Today, it is used to treat deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and heart attack – in short, any condition that involves blood clotting in places where it shouldn’t.īlood clotting is an essential and fascinating process.
#WARFARIN ANTIDOTE FULL#
However, his full recovery after being treated with vitamin K, prompted researchers to investigate the blood thinner’s therapeutic use. In 1951, a member of the US army tried to take his own life by ingesting warfarin rat poison. Warfarin was first made in 1948 by US scientist Karl Paul Link after he isolated a similar compound – dicoumarol – from spoilt sweet clover. Mixed with food bait, less than one milligram can kill a rat – though today many rodent populations have developed resistance. The suspected culprit: the tasteless, odourless blood thinner warfarin – an essential drug that prevents deadly blood clots but can also cause bleeding when used carelessly.īefore it was known as life-saving anticoagulant, warfarin was an exterminator’s favourite. Modern physicians re-examining the case came to think that he might been poisoned. However, not everyone believed Stalin had died of natural causes. An autopsy later revealed cerebral haemorrhage as the cause of death. Four days later, the Communist leader died after suddenly starting to vomit blood. Stalin remained unresponsive, his right arm and leg paralysed – signs that he had suffered a stroke. They called a doctor, but there was little to be done. He found his leader lying on the floor, semi-conscious. At 10pm, one of the guards finally plucked up the courage to enter Stalin’s room. However, the dictator failed to emerge from his room all day.
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