Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Anticoagulant Drugs?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Anticoagulant drugs can work by interfering with thrombin, blocking production of clotting factors, or interrupting blood platelets. A doctor prescribes a drug on the basis of the patient's underlying health and the need for anticoagulants, whether they are for preventing clots after surgery or treating a patient with a chronic clotting disorder. Some classes of anticoagulants can be very dangerous if they are not used properly, and it is important to be attentive while receiving drug information.

Heparin is an example of a drug that works by blocking the activity of thrombin to inhibit clot formation. Direct thrombin inhibitors like dabigatran and vivalirudin are other examples of anticoagulant drugs that work by interacting with thrombin. These drugs can work very quickly and may be useful for a patient in medical crisis or in a situation where a doctor wants the drug to work rapidly for other reasons.

Anticoagulant drugs can have negative interactions with certain other medications.
Anticoagulant drugs can have negative interactions with certain other medications.

The coumadins are anticoagulant drugs that work by interfering with the production of clotting factors in the liver. They include drugs like warfarin and can take several hours or days to become effective. Patients may receive these drugs for long term maintenance if a doctor thinks it is necessary. The patient will need periodic blood tests to check on the levels of clotting factors in the blood and determine if any complications are developing.

Heparin may be administered when a patient is at risk of developing a blood clot.
Heparin may be administered when a patient is at risk of developing a blood clot.

Patients can also take antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. These can also be taken in the long term to address a clotting problem, and patients may remain on maintenance therapy for cardiovascular health. Some of these anticoagulant drugs are available over the counter, but patients should make sure their doctors know they are taking them, in case they are at risk of a bad drug interaction.

Anticoagulant drugs can interact with other drugs, leading to a dangerous situation.
Anticoagulant drugs can interact with other drugs, leading to a dangerous situation.

The anticoagulant drugs most suitable for a patient depend on why the patient needs the drugs, the patient's medical history, and the length of time the patient will need to use the drugs. Doctors have to consider issues like a history of adverse drug interactions, the potential for complications with long term use, and the patient's ability to follow a drug protocol safely.

Regular blood testing is typically required when a patient is prescribed anticoagulant drugs.
Regular blood testing is typically required when a patient is prescribed anticoagulant drugs.

Other anticoagulant drugs are for use in research or diagnostic testing, not for living patients. These include oxalate and citrate, both used in the lab to prevent blood samples from clotting. They are not safe for human use and can potentially cause health problems if people ingest them. Usually stores of drugs not intended for human use are clearly labeled and kept separate from other supplies to minimize the risk of accidents.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Anticoagulant drugs can have negative interactions with certain other medications.
      By: JJAVA
      Anticoagulant drugs can have negative interactions with certain other medications.
    • Heparin may be administered when a patient is at risk of developing a blood clot.
      By: NorGal
      Heparin may be administered when a patient is at risk of developing a blood clot.
    • Anticoagulant drugs can interact with other drugs, leading to a dangerous situation.
      By: krutoeva
      Anticoagulant drugs can interact with other drugs, leading to a dangerous situation.
    • Regular blood testing is typically required when a patient is prescribed anticoagulant drugs.
      By: spflaum
      Regular blood testing is typically required when a patient is prescribed anticoagulant drugs.
    • Anti-platelet drugs like aspirin may be used as an anticoagulant.
      By: Sherry Yates
      Anti-platelet drugs like aspirin may be used as an anticoagulant.
    • Heparin is often used to flush central line catheters to prevent blood from clotting in the tubes.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Heparin is often used to flush central line catheters to prevent blood from clotting in the tubes.
    • Anticoagulant drugs can work by interrupting blood platelets.
      By: designua
      Anticoagulant drugs can work by interrupting blood platelets.