**Core Concept**
Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist used as an anticoagulant. Its efficacy is affected by various drug interactions, particularly those involving the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Phenobarbitone, a barbiturate, is a potent inducer of this enzyme system.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Phenobarbitone induces the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically CYP2C9, which is involved in the metabolism of warfarin. By inducing this enzyme, phenobarbitone increases the rate of warfarin metabolism, leading to decreased warfarin plasma concentrations. To maintain the desired anticoagulant effect, the dose of warfarin needs to be increased to compensate for its accelerated metabolism. This is a classic example of enzyme induction, where a drug increases the expression of an enzyme, leading to increased metabolism of another drug.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Incorrect because phenobarbitone does not decrease the dose of warfarin; instead, it necessitates an increase in dose to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation.
**Option C:** Incorrect because the dose of phenobarbitone does not need to be adjusted in response to its interaction with warfarin. The focus is on adjusting the dose of warfarin.
**Option D:** Incorrect because phenobarbitone is actually inducing the metabolism of warfarin, making a decrease in its dose unnecessary.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When a patient is taking warfarin and a potent inducer of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, such as phenobarbitone, it is essential to monitor their anticoagulation levels closely and adjust the warfarin dose accordingly to prevent subtherapeutic anticoagulation.
**β Correct Answer: A. Increase the dose of warfarin**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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