Anticoagulant & Antiplatelet Drugs Flashcards
Which drugs are the most effective in preventing arterial thrombosis?
Antiplatelet drugs (clopidogrel, ASA)
Which drugs are most effective against venous thrombosis?
Anticoagulants (heparin, lovenox, warfarin)
What is the preferred anticoagulant for use during pregnancy? Why?
Heparin because it does not cross the placenta.
When is heparin used?
In emergencies that require rapid onset of anticoagulant effects such as PE and DVTs. Also for patients undergoing heart surgery and renal dialysis.
What should be monitored in patients taking heparin?
Signs of hemorrhage, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-Xa levels
What drugs are considered first line for the prevention and treatment of DVTs? When are they contraindicated?
Low molecular weight heparins (Lovenox, Fragmin). Contraindicated in patients undergoing epidural anesthesia or spinal puncture, or surgery of the eye, brain, or spinal cord
Why should warfarin not be used for emergencies?
It has a delayed onset
What lab tests should be monitored with warfarin therapy?
INR, PT
When should warfarin be discontinued prior to an elective procedure?
At least 5 days prior.
Why is clopidogrel used?
To prevent blockage of coronary artery stents and reduce thrombotic events such as MI, ischemic stroke, and vascular death.
What drugs may suppress the Antiplatelet effects of Plavix?
PPIs, cimetidine, fluoxetine, fluconazole, and ketoconazole
What are the 2 anticoagulant reversal agents used for apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran?
Andexanet alfa & idarucizumab
