Coagulation Pharm Flashcards
What are the two pathways that activate the coagulation cascade?
- Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
- Intrinsic involves factors XII, XI, IX, VIII.
- Extrinsic is initiated by tissue factor (factor III) and factor VII.
What is the common pathway in coagulation?
Both intrinsic and extrinsic converge at factor X, leading to activation of prothrombin (II) to thrombin, which converts fibrinogen (I) to fibrin.
What laboratory test monitors the intrinsic pathway?
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
What laboratory test monitors the extrinsic pathway?
Prothrombin time (PT).
Which factor is not measured by PT or aPTT and is associated with bleeding tendency?
Factor XIII (fibrin-stabilizing factor).
What is the mechanism of action of aspirin?
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, preventing thromboxane A2 synthesis and reducing platelet aggregation.
What is the role of thromboxane A2 in coagulation?
Promotes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation.
What is the role of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)?
Converts plasminogen to plasmin, which degrades fibrin clots (fibrinolysis).
What is the MOA of tPA?
Activation of plasminogen (to plasmin) and will increase the degradation of fibrin.
What is the major contraindication to tPA use?
Active bleeding, history of hemorrhagic stroke, or recent surgery.
What is the reversal agent for tPA?
- Cryoprecipitate
- Antifibrinolytic agents (eg, tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid)
Name the P2Y12 inhibitors used as antiplatelet agents.
Clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor.
How does clopidogrel inhibit platelet aggregation?
Clopidogrel irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, preventing activation of the GPIIb/IIIa complex.
What are the two major mechanisms of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)?
DOACs inhibit specific clotting factors. They can either inhibit factor Xa, which is the MOA for apixaban and rivaroxaban, they can work via the inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa), which is the MOA of DOACs like dabigatran.
What are the factor Xa inhibitors?
apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, betrixaban
What are the reversal agents for the factor Xa inhibitors?
- PCC (prothrombin complex concentrate which contains vitamin K-dependent clotting factors)
- Andexanet alfa (Andexxa)
What is the MOA of warfarin?
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, reducing synthesis of factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as proteins C and S.
How does warfarin exert its anticoagulant effect?
Inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, reducing synthesis of factors II, VII, IX, and X.
How does unfractionated heparin work?
Unfractionated heparin enhances antithrombin III activity, inhibiting thrombin (IIa) and factor Xa.
What is the difference in MOA between unfractionated heparin and LMWH?
LMWH primarily inhibits factor Xa, while unfractionated heparin inhibits both thrombin and factor Xa.
What are the common indications for aspirin use?
Aspirin is used for prevention of arterial thromboembolism, ACS, stroke, and as an antipyretic/analgesic.
In what conditions is warfarin contraindicated?
Warfarin is contraindicated in pregnancy (teratogenic), active bleeding, and recent surgery with a high risk of bleeding.
When are DOACs preferred over warfarin?
DOACs are preferred in non-valvular atrial fibrillation and DVT/PE management due to fewer dietary and drug interactions.
What is the typical half-life of warfarin?
Warfarin has a half-life of 36-42 hours.