Anticoagulants Overview Flashcards

Study Notes

Introduction to Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are a subclass of coagulation modifier drugs that prevent clot formation.
Other subclasses include antiplatelets, thrombolytics, antifibrinolytics, and reversal drugs.
Focus on indications, safety considerations, and common anticoagulation drugs.

Anticoagulant Subclasses

Enoxaparin is classified as a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug, not an anticoagulant.
Warfarin is an anticoagulant but does not fall under heparins.
Rivaroxaban acts as a selective factor Xa inhibitor, also classified as an anticoagulant.

About Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants include heparins, LMWHs, direct thrombin inhibitors, and factor Xa inhibitors.
They prevent clot formation by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the coagulation cascade.
Known as antithrombotic drugs, they decrease coagulability and are used to prevent or treat thrombosis and emboli.
Conditions treated include myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Anticoagulants do not dissolve pre-formed thrombi; they act at various points in the coagulation cascade.

Anticoagulant Indications for Use

Prescribed for prevention of thrombus formation in high-risk situations such as:
- Myocardial infarction and unstable angina
- Atrial fibrillation
- Mechanical heart valves and conditions causing blood stagnation
- Major orthopedic surgery and prolonged immobility
Effective in the prevention and treatment of DVT or pulmonary embolism, excluding betrixaban, which is only for prophylaxis.

Safety Considerations for Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants pose a high risk for adverse drug reactions and bleeding complications.
Excessive bleeding can occur if these drugs overshoot their intended effect.
Risk of bleeding increases with dosage; careful monitoring is crucial.
Contraindications include:
- Acute bleeding situations or high bleeding risk conditions (e.g., coagulation disorders, recent surgeries)
- Pregnancy, particularly contraindicated with warfarin (category X).
- Risk of epidural hematoma in patients with indwelling epidural catheters.
Common adverse effects include bleeding (localized or systemic), GI upset (nausea, vomiting), and thrombocytopenia.
Each subclass of anticoagulants has unique mechanisms of action and safety profiles.

Description

Test your knowledge of anticoagulants, including warfarin and heparin, through these informative flashcards. This material covers the various subclasses of coagulation modifier drugs and their roles in hemostasis. Brush up on how these medications work to prevent or promote clot formation.