What is an INR?

The INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and is a ratio that calculates the bleeding time of an individual. It is important to maintain an INR value within a therapeutic zone (which depends on the type of disease being treated) between 2 and 3.5 when taking anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin. Diet, new medications, and natural products can all affect the INR value, so it is important to maintain stability in these areas to ensure the INR remains within the therapeutic zone.