Which medication is commonly used for long-term prevention of stroke?

Coumadin, also known as warfarin, is an anticoagulant medication that is frequently prescribed for long-term prevention of stroke, particularly in patients with certain medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or prior strokes. By inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, Coumadin reduces the risk of clot formation that can lead to strokes, making it an effective choice in these scenarios.

It is important to note that while aspirin is also an antiplatelet agent used to lower the risk of stroke, it is primarily considered for patients at lower risk or as a secondary prevention measure rather than a long-term treatment in higher-risk scenarios compared to Coumadin. Insulin is primarily used to manage diabetes, and glucagon is used mainly for hypoglycemic emergencies, so they do not play a role in stroke prevention.