What is an INR?

INR stands for<>. It is a ratio that calculates the bleeding time of an individual. An individual who does not take any anticoagulant (ex: Coumadin) will always have an INR value of 1. Coumadin is a drug that will increase the bleeding time and therefore increase the INR value. In your father's case, the INR will have to be evaluated by the pharmacist or doctor on a regular basis to make sure that it is in a therapeutic zone (this zone depends on the type of disease being treated). The therapeutic zone will be between 2 and 3.5.To say that the blood is clear is jargon that means that an individual will have blood that takes longer to form a platelet plug or to clot. But the blood is not actually more 'clear'

INR stands for 'International Normalized Ratio'

It can be difficult to stabilize an individual on Coumadin. There are many variables that can affect the INR result of someone taking Coumadin. Diet is a major factor in the INR value. Taking certain new medications and natural products or medications that are taken sporadically can also affect it. Normally, the INR should gradually stabilize if no drastic changes are made in these factors.