Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology: Chapter 36 - Anticoagulant and Thrombolytic Drugs

This flashcard set covers the vocabulary, drug actions, reversal agents, and diagnostic tests associated with Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic therapies.

Hemostasis

A complex process by which fibrin forms and blood clots.

Thrombosis

The formation of a blood clot or "thrombus".

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DTV)

The formation of a blood clot within the deep veins of the leg.

Embolus

A blood clot that has moved through the circulatory system.

Myocardial Infarction

Dead heart muscle caused by blocked blood flow through a coronary artery, often due to a thrombus and plaque.

Anticoagulants

Drugs used prophylactically to prevent the formation and extension of a thrombus, commonly known as "blood thinners".

Warfarin

An oral and parenteral anticoagulant that works by depleting prothrombin and factors $VII$, $IX$, and $X$.

Heparin

A parenteral anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of fibrin clots.

Low–molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs)

Also called fractionated heparins, these inhibit the synthesis of factor $X$ and the formation of thrombin, producing stable responses at recommended dosages.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DAOCs)

Drugs that target specific portions of the coagulation cascade by inhibiting thrombin or factor $X$.

Antiplatelet Drugs

Drugs that prevent thrombus formation in the arterial system by decreasing the ability of platelets to stick together (aggregate).

Thrombolytic Drugs

Also known as fibrolytics, these drugs dissolve blood clots that have already formed by converting plasminogen to plasmin.

Plasmin

An enzyme that breaks down the fibrin in a blood clot.

The 5 Gs

A group of herbs including Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, and Green tea that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.

Homan sign

A diagnostic test where a positive result suggests the presence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

International Normalized Ratio (INR)

A laboratory test used to monitor warfarin; the therapeutic level during therapy is typically $2-3$.

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)

A laboratory test used for the daily monitoring of heparin administration.

Protamine Sulfate

The specific heparin antagonist and antidote used to manage parenteral anticoagulant overdosage.

Vitamin K

The agent administered to manage or reverse warfarin overdosage.

Idarucizumab

The reversal agent for the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

A blood product that can be infused to treat severe bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia

A blood-related adverse reaction to anticoagulants characterized by a low platelet count.

Alopecia

An "other" adverse reaction associated with oral and parenteral anticoagulants involving hair loss.