Dicumarol is a synthetic coumarin derivative and oral anticoagulant pharmaceutical active ingredient. It acts by interfering with the normal vitamin K–dependent blood-clotting pathway and has historically been used to reduce the formation of blood clots.
Dicumarol, also known as Dicoumarol, is a 4-hydroxycoumarin derivative. It was one of the earliest anticoagulant compounds developed from naturally occurring coumarin-related substances.
Dicumarol is identified by CAS No. 66-76-2. It has the molecular formula C19H12O6 and a molecular weight of approximately 336.30 g/mol.
Dicumarol produces anticoagulant activity by reducing the availability of functional vitamin K–dependent clotting factors. This results in a reduction in the blood's ability to form clots.
Its pharmacological activity is related to inhibition of the vitamin K cycle, particularly vitamin K epoxide reductase, which is required for regeneration of active vitamin K.
Dicumarol inhibits the vitamin K–dependent carboxylation process required for the normal synthesis of several coagulation factors. Reduced availability of active vitamin K decreases the functional activity of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X, as well as regulatory proteins C and S.
The overall effect is an anticoagulant action and prolonged coagulation time.
Dicumarol has historically been used as an oral anticoagulant for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic conditions.
Because newer anticoagulant therapies have largely replaced dicumarol in routine clinical practice, its current availability and regulatory status vary by country.
Dicumarol may be relevant to pharmaceutical research, analytical reference work and specialized formulation-development programs where the compound is specifically required.
The appropriate grade, specification and regulatory documentation should be confirmed according to the intended application and target market.
Dicumarol API quality evaluation may include:
Testing should be performed using validated analytical methods appropriate for the material.
Dicumarol intended for pharmaceutical applications should be handled according to applicable GMP, quality-control and regulatory requirements. The final specification should be based on the manufacturer's approved specification, applicable pharmacopoeial requirements and customer requirements.
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) should provide relevant analytical results and acceptance criteria.
Dicumarol should be stored in suitable, tightly closed packaging under the manufacturer's recommended conditions. The material should be protected from excessive moisture, heat and unsuitable environmental exposure.
Dicumarol is relevant to pharmaceutical companies, research organizations and formulation-development laboratories requiring a coumarin-derived anticoagulant pharmaceutical ingredient.
For commercial use, customers should verify the API identity, grade, purity, assay, impurity profile, regulatory status, specification and batch-specific CoA before use.
Consistent quality is important when Dicumarol is used for pharmaceutical or analytical applications. Control of identity, assay, purity and related substances helps maintain consistency across batches.
Appropriate quality documentation can include a Certificate of Analysis, specification sheet, safety documentation and applicable regulatory information.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | ≤ 0.5% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 228–230°C |