Ch. 14: Drugs Affecting the Hematologic System Flashcards
Platelet inhibitors
these drugs use a variety of mechanisms to prevent platelets from sticking together (aggregating) to form a platelet plug that starts the blood clotting cascade
Platelet inhibitor drugs
aspirin (Ecotrin), cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Direct thrombin inhibitors
these drugs bind to prothrombin and prevent its conversion to thrombin, which is needed to convert fibringoen to fibrin. With less thrombin, less fibrin is available to form the network that is the mesh forming the base of a clot
Direct thrombin inhibitor drugs
apixaban (Eliquis), desirudin (Iprivask), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Indirect thrombin inhibitors
these drugs indirectly prevent the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by increasing the amount of active antithrombin III. This substance has the action of interfering with the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
Indirect thrombin inhibitor drugs
heparin, heparin sodium (Calcilean, Hepealean), enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), tinzaparin (Innohep), fondaparinux sodium (Arixtra)
Nursing implications of platelet inhibitors
avoid taking OTC drugs, especially those that contain NSAIDs, antacids interfere with antiplatelet drugs, most oral antiplatelet drugs are better tolerated when given with food to prevent nausea, teach patients the symptoms of bleeding and to report any signs of abnormal bleeding to the healthcare provider, teach patients to avoid the foods, herbs, and supplements that can interfere with antiplatelet drugs, teach patients not to stop taking these drugs without talking to their provider. Drugs may need to be held for certain surgical or dental procedures. Antiplatelet drugs should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy and should not be taken while breast-feeding
Direct thrombin inhibitor drugs
watch for signs of abnormal bleeding and teach patients to report abnormal bleeding, including heavy menses; monitor patients for signs of allergy or hypersensitivity to these drugs. Teach patients to avoid aspirin or NSAIDs while taking thrombin inhibitors because serious hemorrhage or death could occur. Keep the drugs in the original containers; do not place in plastic pill containers
Indirect thrombin inhibitor nursing implications
watch for signs of abnormal bleeding and teach patients to report abnormal bleeding, including heavy menses. Monitor patients who are receiving heparin for indications of allergy or hypersensitivity. Teach patients to avoid aspirin or NSAIDs while taking heparin preparations. Assess patients who are receiving heparin for low platelet counts and indications of clot extension
Vitamin K antagonist drugs
warfarin (Coumadin)
Vitamin K nursing implications
teach patients to limit the amount of green, leafy vegetables they eat because these vegetables are a natural source of vitamin K. Monitor patient’s INR to determine effectiveness. Remind patients to keep all appointments for INR. Stress the importance of not taking aspirin or NSAIDs with this drug. Teach patients the signs of abnormal bleeding to report to the healthcare provider. Caution women of childbearing age who are taking warfarin to avoid pregnancy
Platelet inhibitor drugs work in
a patient who might be having reduced blood circulation to the heart before a myocardial infarction
-given prophylactically to reduce blood clots
Platelet inhibitors may be given in adjunct to
thrombolytic therapy, to prevent heart attack
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
or aspirin, is the most commonly used antiplatelet drug
-reduces the risk for major blood vessel blockage
Aspirin is used in
acute myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, angina, and peripheral arterial disease
Complications of ASA use
GI bleeding in older patients, those with a history of peptic ulcer disease, and patients using other NSAIDs
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
a drug that is used for patients who have had an MI caused by a clot (thrombus) formed in a coronary artery
Clopidogrel must be taken
daily for a year or longer to prevent clots from developing and plugging up the stent
Side effects of platelet inhibitors
bleeding, easy bruising, bleeding of the gums, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, and anorexia
skin rashes, pruritis, and purpura
Adverse reactions of platelet inhibitors
excessive bleeding, itching, hives, and runny nose; with more severe reactions include swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or acute cardiovascular events
Thrombocytopenia
decrease in platelet counts
Neutropenia
white blood cell counts
Drug and food interactions of platelet inhibitors
other drugs that reduce coagulation, alcohol, vitamin K, oral contraceptives, antibiotics proton pump inhibitors
green leafy vegetables, St John’s wort
Direct thrombin inhibitors action
interferes with factor II, which increases the time it takes for blood to clot; binds to free thrombin in the blood and thrombin that is bound to fibrin
DTIs uses
are also used to prevent clots in arteries and veins, such as DVT, PE, clotting from A-fib, abnormal heart rhythm
-used like warfarin and anticoagulants
Side effects of DTIs
can cause bleeding, easy bruising, bleeding gums, gastric upset (taken on empty stomach)
Adverse reactions of DTIs
excessive bleeding and thrombocytopenia
Early signs of DTI overdose
bleeding from the gums while brushing teeth, excessive bleeding or oozing from cuts, unexplained bruising or nosebleeds, and unusually heavy menses in women