Anticoagulants also known as blood thinners

<>

Anticoagulants also referred as blood thinners are drugs used to help prevent coagulation (clotting) inside the blood stream. They prevent
blood clot formation or stop a clot already formed from getting larger. People who are at risk of developing blood clots are usually prescribed anticoagulants; patients who are going to surgery for example. They are at a high risk of developing blood clots because they will be laying still for long periods of time. Other people who are at risk of developing blood clots are those who have atrial fibrillation or have artificial heart valves.

People who had a heart attack, had a stroke, or have a history of blood clots are usually on blood thinners. People who are on blood thinners are at risk of bleeding. The most common oral agent used in the United States is coumadin (warfarin).

Other forms of blood thinners are heparin which can be administered intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ). Heparin SQ is normally given in the belly area.<>

Enoxaparin (lovenox) is also a commonly used drug and it is given SQ in the belly area.

Anti platelet agents are also used in blood clotting prevention and they come in different groups.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors

  • Aspirin

    Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitors

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Ticlopidine (Ticlid)

    Phosphodiesterase inhibitors

  • Cilostazol (Pletal)

    Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors (intravenous use only)

  • Abciximab (ReoPro)
  • Eptifibatide (Integrilin)
  • Tirofiban (Aggrastat)
  • Defibrotide

    Adenosine reuptake inhibitors

  • Dipyridamole (Persantine)

    Problems that can be caused by anticoagulants:

    Blood in the urine
    Blood in the stools
    Bleeding more than the normal when menstruating
    Bleeding from your gums
    Very long periods of head aches
    Very long periods of abdominal pain
    Feel weak, faint, dizzy or you just feel sick
    Are pregnant
    Get into a major accident
    Frequent and easy bruising and/or blood blisters

    Tell your Doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms above.



    Before taking these medications, you need to tell your Doctor if you have liver disease, any heart problems, any bleeding or clotting disorder,
    high blood pressure, diabetes, a stomach ulcer, an artificial heart valve, or a history of stroke or recent brain or spine surgery.

    Tell your Doctor about other medications you are currently taking including over the counter, herbals, or any other natural health remedies. This is because some of them have anticoagulant properties and could increase the risk of bleeding.

    You need to tell your Dentist or any other Doctor you are seeing that you are on blood thinners before they do any type of invasive procedures. It is also recommended you wear a bracelet.

    You should avoid smoking and drinking. You also need to watch out for foods that are high in vitamin K because it does the opposite. Vitamin K helps thicken your blood. Foods high in vitamin K are leafy green vegetables.

    When you are put on anticoagulants, it is recommended you do not change your diet. This is because your blood levels will be easier to manage.

    To be sure your blood thinners are helping, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you. Depending on your condition, you may be taking blood thinners for a long time if not for life. If you are taking coumadin, your Doctor will check your PT and INR. There are blood levels that indicate the amount of time it takes for the blood to coagulate.

    Heart attacks are the number one killer in America, millions of others are recovering from one, and millions are at risk. For this reason, lot and lots of people are taking heart medications. If you are them, you are not alone.

    Self medication administration can be frustrating at times but if you need to take them, there are a few things you should know about. This can help you take them appropriately and get the best results.



    Disclaimer

    The information in this section and throughout this site is not meant to diagnose and does not provide any legal advice whatsoever. It is recommended to consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding illnesses, prescribed and over the counter medications including, supplements, herbal and any other types of medicines.

    Return from anticoagulants to heart medications

    Return from anticoagulants to the home page


    footer for anticoagulants page

    		•