also known as an antithrombotic agent. Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a normal physiological process that helps prevent bleeding when we are injured. However, in certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism, blood clots can form abnormally, leading to serious health risks like stroke, heart attack, or embolism.
Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the formation of blood clots or by preventing existing clots from getting larger. They do not dissolve existing blood clots, but rather help prevent the formation of new ones. Anticoagulants are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of conditions that are associated with abnormal blood clotting.
There are several types of anticoagulants, including:
Vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin): These medications block the action of vitamin K, which is essential for the production of clotting factors in the liver.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (e.g., apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban): These newer medications directly inhibit specific clotting factors in the blood, such as factor Xa or thrombin.
Heparins (e.g., unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins): These medications work by inhibiting clotting factors and preventing the formation of blood clots.
Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): These medications inhibit the aggregation of platelets, which are small blood cells involved in clot formation.
Anticoagulants are prescribed by healthcare professionals and their use requires careful monitoring, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. The dosages and duration of treatment vary depending on the individual patient's condition and medical history. It's important to follow the prescribed regimen and regularly monitor blood tests, such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), as directed by a healthcare professional while taking anticoagulants.
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