Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs
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What are anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs?
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are medications that decrease or lessen the risk of getting blood clots. They are also called blood thinners though, in reality, they don’t exactly thin the blood but rather lyse harmful blood clots or totally prevent the formation of blood clots. In the absence of intervention, blood clots occlude the blood vessels resulting in a stroke or heart attack.
Mechanism of action of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs exert their action of preventing blood clots in various ways.
Anticoagulants affect the blood proteins called clotting factors that are responsible for the clotting process. A particular anticoagulant affects a different clotting factor to prevent clotting. Antiplatelets, on the other hand, affect the binding process of platelets when an injury occurs that results in hemorrhage.
Examples of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs have different brand names in different parts of the world.
Anticoagulants include:
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Rivaroxaban
- Dabigatran
- Apixaban
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Fondaparinux
Examples of Antiplatelet drugs include:
- Clopidogrel
- Ticagrelor
- Prasugrel
- Dipyridamole
- Ticlopidine
- Eptfibatide
Use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs
Any of these drugs can be prescribed by a doctor if you are proven to have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- Blood circulation problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Congenital heart defect
They could also be prescribed in cases of a surgery done for a Valvular heart disease.
The international normalized ratio (INR) test is recommended for those on warfarin therapy so as to monitor its level in the body and check its adequacy. Other tests could also be done depending on the medications being taken.
Side effects and risks
Some side effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can be pretty serious. The following symptoms when experienced require speaking to or seeing a doctor:
- Increased rate of bruising
- Red or coke-colored urine
- Bloody stools or dark stools resembling coffee grounds
- Menorrhagia, meaning increased menstrual flow than usual
- Purple toes
- Pain, temperature change, or blackening of the fingers, toes, hands or feet
Because of the numerous side effects they have, some people are at risk of and experience severe complications when using them. It is absolutely contraindicated in certain groups of people such as those with bleeding disorders, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, balance problems, congestive heart failure, and liver or kidney problems. This is because warfarin increases the likelihood of complications from the conditions. It is also contraindicated in breastfeeding or pregnant women because it increases the risk of fetal death and is harmful to the baby.
Talk to your doctor about the drugs you are taking, whether prescription drugs or one that is gotten over the counter and even dietary supplement that is taken.
Tips
The following tips are very helpful when taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs
- Inform you healthcare provider about any anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs you are taking and any other drug you take
- Wear a bracelet for identification in case of any unforeseen circumstance
- Avoid injury triggers such as sports as it may be hard for the bleeding to stop once it starts because normal clotting process is no longer intact
- Before having any surgery or even a dental procedure that may likely bleed, talk to a doctor who may then recommend cessation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet intake prior to or for a short period after the procedure.
The risks accompanying the intake of these drugs may be very severe and even life-threatening. It is thus necessary to follow the doctor’s instruction, advice
Tonika Bruce, MSN, RN, MBA. is an accomplished nurse leader, published author, and personal development expert passionate about advancing healthcare management and quality patient outcomes.
She taps into the years of experience in healthcare management to produce credible and easy-to-understand health and leadership content. Her exceptional work has been featured in reputable publications, including Forbes, Recruiter, Inc, and the Color of Wellness magazine.
