PULMONARY EMBOLISM pt 5

Pharmacologic Management

Medical treatment involving medications for Pulmonary Embolism.

Anticoagulation Therapy

Immediate Goal: Prevent clot extension and recurrence.

Initial treatment duration of Anticoagulation Therapy

Up to 10 days.

Maintenance duration of Anticoagulation Therapy

10 days to 3+ months or indefinitely.

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)

Preferred in hemodynamically unstable patients in case thrombolysis or embolectomy is needed.

LMWH & NOACs

Preferred for stable patients.

NOACs (Dabigatran, Fondaparinux, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban)

No routine labs needed, but higher cost; contraindicated if thrombolysis is planned.

Warfarin

Traditional oral agent; requires regular INR monitoring.

Vitamin K

Antidote for Warfarin.

Purpose of Anticoagulation Therapy

Prevent clot extension and recurrence.

Thrombolytic Therapy

Used for specific severe cases of Pulmonary Embolism.

Indications of Thrombolytic Therapy

Massive PE with hypotension and severe hypoxemia without high bleeding risk.

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) use in PE

Used for hemodynamically unstable patients.

LMWH & NOACs use in PE

Used for stable patients.

Contraindication of NOACs

If thrombolysis is planned.