What is the desired therapeutic range for INR in patients on warfarin therapy?

The desired therapeutic range for INR (International Normalized Ratio) in patients on warfarin therapy is typically between 2.0 and 3.0. This range is established to effectively manage conditions that require anticoagulation, such as atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, or mechanical heart valves, while minimizing the risk of thrombosis and bleeding complications.

An INR below this range may not provide sufficient anticoagulation, leaving patients at risk for clot formation. On the other hand, an INR above this range increases the risk of bleeding complications, so maintaining the INR within 2.0 to 3.0 is essential for balancing efficacy and safety in anticoagulation therapy.

Other ranges presented in the alternatives are not suitable for patients requiring routine warfarin therapy: an INR of 1.0 to 2.0 typically indicates insufficient anticoagulation, while 3.5 to 4.5 may apply in certain situations, such as with a high risk for thromboembolic events, but it carries a higher risk for bleeding. An INR of 0.5 to 1.5 generally indicates a state of either no anticoagulation or inadequate anticoagulation, which is not desirable