Drugs for Blood Coagulation Flashcards
What is thrombosis?
Unwanted clot formation. A thrombus adheres to the vessel wall, while an embolus floats within the blood. Both can occlude blood vessels.
What are the three main steps of clot formation?
- Platelet activation & aggregation.
- Thrombin formation.
- Fibrin production & cross-linking + stabilization of the clot.
List the steps of platelet aggregation.
- Adhesion to the site of injury.
- Release of intracellular granules.
- Aggregation of the platelets.
What substance released by platelets is a potent platelet aggregator?
Thromboxane A2.
What is the role of ADP in platelet function?
ADP is a platelet activator and aggregator.
What is the function of serotonin in platelet aggregation?
Serotonin enhances platelet aggregation.
What does PAF stand for and what is its function?
PAF stands for Platelet Activating Factor. It activates platelets.
What enzyme converts prothrombin to thrombin in the coagulation cascade?
Factor Xa.
What is the substrate and product of thrombin in fibrin formation?
- Substrate: Fibrinogen.
- Product: Fibrin.
What is the final step in stabilizing a blood clot?
Cross-linking of fibrin strands.
Name three natural mechanisms that prevent excessive clotting.
- Endothelial cells maintaining a non-clotting surface.
- Negative electrical charge preventing platelet adhesion.
- Release of plasminogen activators to break down clots.
What is the function of protein C in preventing excessive clotting?
Protein C degrades coagulation factors when activated.
How does prostacyclin (PGI2) help prevent excessive clotting?
Prostacyclin (PGI2) inhibits platelet aggregation.
When should anti-platelet therapy be initiated after infarction/stroke?
Within 2 hours.
What are the two main goals of anti-platelet therapy?
- Maintain blood flow.
- Limit infarction size.
What other therapies are often used alongside anti-platelet drugs?
Thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulants.
What is the primary mechanism of action of aspirin as an anti-platelet drug?
Selective COX-1 inhibition.
How does aspirin’s COX-1 inhibition affect platelet function?
It blocks thromboxane A2 synthesis in platelets.
What is the typical daily dose range of aspirin for anti-platelet therapy?
81-325 mg/day.
Name two uses of aspirin in cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Transient cerebral ischemia prophylaxis.
- Reduce myocardial infarction.
How does aspirin affect post-myocardial infarction mortality?
It lowers post-myocardial infarction mortality.
In which cardiac condition is aspirin used to prevent coronary thrombosis?
Unstable angina.
What are the two main side effects of aspirin when used as an anti-platelet agent?
- Bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal ulceration.
Why is a low dose of aspirin used for anti-platelet therapy?
For selective inhibition of COX-1.
Which anti-platelet drug works by selectively inhibiting COX-1?
Aspirin.
What is the mechanism of action of ADP Pathway Inhibitors like Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel?
They block ADP receptors on the platelet membrane.
How do ADP Pathway Inhibitors affect platelet function?
They inhibit ADP-mediated platelet activation and GP IIb/IIIa receptors.
Name two examples of ADP Pathway Inhibitors.
Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel.
In what situations are ADP Pathway Inhibitors used as an alternative to aspirin?
For secondary prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction, and unstable angina.
What are three potential side effects of ADP Pathway Inhibitors?
- Neutropenia.
- Thrombocytopenia.
- Aplastic anemia.
Which ADP Pathway Inhibitor is particularly associated with a risk of aplastic anemia?
Ticlopidine.
What is unique about Clopidogrel’s pharmacology?
Clopidogrel is a prodrug that must be activated by liver enzymes.
Which anti-platelet drugs work by blocking ADP receptors on platelet membranes?
ADP Pathway Inhibitors (e.g., Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel).
How do ADP Pathway Inhibitors differ from Aspirin in their mechanism of action?
ADP Pathway Inhibitors block ADP receptors, while Aspirin inhibits COX-1 enzyme.
Why might a doctor choose an ADP Pathway Inhibitor over Aspirin for a patient?
As an alternative when Aspirin is not suitable or effective for secondary prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina.
What are two examples of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitors?
Abciximab (a monoclonal antibody) and Eptifibatide.
What is the mechanism of action of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitors?
They directly block GP IIb/IIIa receptors on platelets.
What are two limitations of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitors?
- They are expensive.
- They are available only as IV formulations (e.g., Eptifibatide).
What class of drugs does Dipyridamole belong to?
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors.
What is the mechanism of action of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors like Dipyridamole?
They increase cAMP levels in platelets.
How do Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors affect platelet function?
They inhibit platelet aggregation.
In what clinical scenario is Dipyridamole used with Warfarin?
For prophylaxis in patients with prosthetic heart valves.
How is Dipyridamole used in combination with Aspirin?
For treatment of angina pectoris.
What is the main side effect of Dipyridamole?
Headache.