The Fennerty warfarin loading protocol published in 1984 was efficient in the relatively young population tested, but it was subsequently shown to cause significant over-anticoagulation in the elderly. 7, 8 Another protocol, based on the Fennerty protocol, decreased the loading dose with increasing age. Results. We included 11 studies of 1,340 patients newly initiated on warfarin. In two studies that used single INR measures, a loading dose of 10 mg compared to 5 mg led to more patients in range on day five. The maintenance dose can be predicted to within 1mg in most patients after 3 doses of warfarin. The maintenance dose is based on the INR after 3 doses of warfarin (ie on day 4). The table for estimation of the maintenance dose is available from the menu. Anticoagulation - oral Last revised in November 2017 Next planned review by December 2021. Summary. Back to top Anticoagulation - oral: Summary. There are five oral anticoagulants licensed for use in the UK: warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban and rivaroxaban. Overall, results identified 4 main variances related to warfarin therapy: 1) inappropriate administration of a warfarin loading dose, 2) inappropriate use of vitamin K, 3) inconsistent overlapping of heparin with warfarin, and 4) inconsistent provision of patient education. Warfarin has a complex dose-response relationship that makes safe and effective use a challenge. Loading doses of warfarin are not warranted and may result in bleeding complications. Another study6 based on an initial 5-mg dose provides data that help predict the eventual maintenance dosage of warfarin. The authors identified a consecutive group of 91 patients with nonvalvular. Key message: There is not enough evidence to show whether 10mg or 5mg loading dose of warfarin is safer or quicker. It may be more appropriate to use smaller doses in elderly patients. Evidence-based information on warfarin loading dose from hundreds of trustworthy sources for health and social care. Detailed Warfarin dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Myocardial Infarction, Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation, Myocardial Infarction - Prophylaxis and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments.