Coagulation Modifier Drugs

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to coagulation modifier drugs, hemostasis, and the mechanisms of action of different anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytic drugs.

Hemostasis

General term for any process that stops bleeding.

Thrombus

Technical term for a blood clot.

Embolus

Thrombus that moves through blood vessels.

Intrinsic pathway

One of the two pathways in the coagulation cascade that leads to clot formation.

Extrinsic pathway

The pathway activated by external trauma leading to rapid clot formation.

Fibrinolysis

Mechanism by which formed thrombi are lysed to prevent excessive clot formation.

Plasminogen

A circulating protein that binds to fibrin to form plasmin.

Plasmin

Enzymatic protein that breaks down fibrin thrombus.

Hemophilia

Rare genetic disorder resulting in limited or absent coagulation factors.

Anticoagulants

Substances that prevent or delay the coagulation of blood.

Thrombolytic drugs

Drugs that dissolve thrombi by functioning similar to tissue plasminogen activator.

Antiplatelet drugs

Substances that prevent platelet plugs from forming.

Hemorheologic drugs

Alter platelet function without preventing platelets from working.

Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors

Factors II, VII, IX, and X that require vitamin K for their synthesis.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K synthesis to prevent clot formation.

Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs)

Synthetic anticoagulants with more predictable responses than unfractionated heparin.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

A significant decrease in platelet count due to heparin therapy.

Idarucizumab (Praxbind)

Specific antidote for dabigatran.

Andexxa (Andexanet alfa)

Antidote for Factor Xa inhibitors to reverse anticoagulant effects.

Aspirin

An antiplatelet medication used to prevent thrombus formation.

Alteplase (Activase)

A thrombolytic drug specifically activating the fibrinolytic system.

Aminocaproic acid (Amicar)

An antifibrinolytic drug used to prevent excessive bleeding.