Anticoagulant
Anticoagulant is any of a group of drugs that suppress, delay, or prevent clots (masses of blood cells) from forming in the bloodstream. Also known as blood thinners, anticoagulants are used to treat heart, lung, or blood vessel disorders. The drug may be administered for a heart attack, pulmonary embolism (blockage of the artery that feeds the lung), or irregular heartbeat, which may cause harmful clots to form. Patients fitted with artificial heart valves may also be treated with anticoagulants following surgery in order to prevent complications associated with blood flow into and away from the heart.
Anticoagulants work by interfering with the action of vitamin K, an essential component in the production of blood clots. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots, which require other forms of treatment.
Anticoagulants are prescription drugs available as tablets taken orally, and in a liquid form that is injected into the skin. An initially high dosage (10 to 250 mg per day, depending on the specific drug) is typically reduced after a few days to a maintenance dosage. The exact dosage is largely dependent on the timing of each patient’s blood-clotting process, as determined by laboratory tests. Effectiveness is usually apparent after three to five days of treatment. One specific type of anticoagulant is warfarin.
Anticoagulants can react adversely with dozens of other drugs including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Anticoagulants also can cause excessive bleeding. Patients taking anticoagulants are often advised to carry an identification card that indicates their treatment with these potent drugs. The use of anticoagulants during pregnancy is not recommended.
Anticoagulants work by interfering with the action of vitamin K, an essential component in the production of blood clots. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots, which require other forms of treatment.
Anticoagulants are prescription drugs available as tablets taken orally, and in a liquid form that is injected into the skin. An initially high dosage (10 to 250 mg per day, depending on the specific drug) is typically reduced after a few days to a maintenance dosage. The exact dosage is largely dependent on the timing of each patient’s blood-clotting process, as determined by laboratory tests. Effectiveness is usually apparent after three to five days of treatment. One specific type of anticoagulant is warfarin.
Anticoagulants can react adversely with dozens of other drugs including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Anticoagulants also can cause excessive bleeding. Patients taking anticoagulants are often advised to carry an identification card that indicates their treatment with these potent drugs. The use of anticoagulants during pregnancy is not recommended.
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