Antithrombotic
Antithrombotic
Antithrombotic (pronunciation: an-ti-throm-bot-ic) is a term used in medicine to describe any drug or treatment that reduces the formation of thrombi or blood clots in the circulatory system.
Etymology
The term "antithrombotic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "thrombos" meaning clot.
Types of Antithrombotic Drugs
There are two main types of antithrombotic drugs: anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
- Anticoagulants are drugs that reduce the formation of blood clots by interfering with the coagulation process. Examples of anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban and apixaban.
- Antiplatelet drugs prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Examples of antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor.
Uses of Antithrombotic Drugs
Antithrombotic drugs are used in the prevention and treatment of various medical conditions that are caused by blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, and myocardial infarction (heart attack). They are also used in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of antithrombotic drugs is bleeding. Other potential side effects include bruising, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
Related Terms
- Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood.
- Embolism: A condition where a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel, potentially causing serious harm.
- Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding, which involves the formation of a blood clot.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antithrombotic
- Wikipedia's article - Antithrombotic
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