Pharmacology-anticoagulant therapy Flashcards
What is the mechanism of heparin?
Lowers activity of thrombin and factor Xa
Indications for heparin
PE, ACS, MI, DVT
What anticoagulation test is used to monitor heparin therapy?
PTT
Why is heparin safe to use during pregnancy?
Does not cross placenta
What is the treatment for rapid reversal of HIT?
Protamine sulfate
What do low molecular weight heparins target predominantly?
Factor Xa
Which LMWH target factor Xa predominantly?
Enoxaparin and Dalteparin
What is the only heparin drug that only targets factor Xa?
Fondaparinux
What is the advantage of LMWH over unfractioned heparin?
Better bioavailability and 2-4x longer 1/2 life
Can be given subq without monitoring
What is a disadvantage of LMWH over unfractioned heparin
Cannot be easily reversed
Development of IgG antibodies against heparin-bound platelet factor 4
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
What is a complication of using heparin in susceptible individuals?
Development of HIT
Patient was given heparin and shortly after develops thrombosis and thrombocytopenia - what is the diagnosis?
HIT
What action does the antibody-heparin-PF4 complex have on the body?
Activates platelets causing thrombosis and thrombocytopenia
What is the only oral direct thrombin inhibitor?
Dabigatran
What is the direct thrombin inhibitor that is related to the anticoagulant used by leeches?
Bivalirudin
What is the anticoagulant used by leeches that is related to Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor?
Hirudin
What are the direct thrombin inhibitors?
Bivalirudin, Argatroban, and Dabigatran
What is the mechanism of Bivalirudin, Argatroban, and Dabigatran?
Directly inhibit thrombin activity
Indications for Bivalirudin, Argatroban, and Dabigatran
Venous thromboembolism, a-fib
What is an advantage of direct thrombin inhibitors over heparin?
Safe to use in HIT
Complications of direct thrombin inhibitors Bivalirudin, Argatroban, and Dabigatran
Bleeding