A blood thinner, also called an anti-coagulant, is used to stop platelets, or heavy cells, present in blood plasma from forming clots. They are most used in those who are at risk for heart attack, stroke, or aneurisms. A blood thinner can be composed of several different chemical formations. The most common blood thinner, and most often used is aspirin, taken in doses of 81mg per day, essentially one baby aspirin.

Aspirin has been recognized as a blood thinner for at least fifty years. It can significantly reduce platelet counts. Often, a daily dose of aspirin is the only required cardiac medicine. This is particularly the case with those children born with congenital heart defects who have undergone surgery. They are often given a palliative daily dose of aspirin.

In children, the use of aspirin as a blood thinner must be carefully monitored, and stopped if the child has stomach flu, influenza, or chicken pox. Aspirin use has been indicated in the development of Reye’s syndrome, an illness that can prove fatal, causing damage to the major organs of the body. More recent studies indicate that the risk of Reye’s syndrome increases with the amount of aspirin taken. Parents with children on aspirin are usually given a list of when to avoid giving their children aspirin as a blood thinner. However, since the dose of aspirin given daily is so low, contracting Reye’s is a very minimal risk.

In some cases, aspirin is not a strong enough blood thinner to address the risk of platelets forming potentially life-threatening clots. The second most common blood thinner is warfarin or Coumadin®. Coumadin is a much stronger blood thinner, and use of this medication must be carefully monitored. Dosing is difficult because warfarin is highly reactive. Properly titrating the dosage can take several months of weekly blood tests before an ideal dose is achieved.

Natural intake of potassium rich foods can increase the strength of the medication. Those on warfarin are also cautioned about the risks regarding severe bleeding after bruising or cutting the skin. As a blood thinner for children, risk involves cranial bleeding if injury to the head occurs. Children on this blood thinner are often cautioned to wear helmets when engaging in any kind of rough play.

A more recently developed blood thinner is Plavix®. Early studies indicate that Plavix combined with aspirin may provide the best anti-coagulant protection. Unlike warfarin, Plavix is a more stable drug, with fewer side effects. Since it is still relatively new, long-term use has not been studied. Since Plavix is still patented, it is not yet available in a generic form and may not be covered by certain health insurance plans.

Another type of blood thinner, heparin, is injected directly into blood clots to dissolve them. It is used in the attempt to remove blood clots from the lungs or brain. Heparin is also used to keep intravenous (IV) lines from clotting. Heparin has the advantage of being able to dissolve clots, something an oral blood thinner cannot achieve. Oral blood thinners can only be used to prevent clots.

If one is taking a blood thinner regularly, it is important to notify one’s physician. Many blood thinners have interactions with other drugs. Additionally, one should receive directions from either oral or general surgeons regarding stopping a blood thinner before any open surgical procedure. Usually doctors and dentists recommend stopping the use of a blood thinner about a week before any surgical procedure. However, stopping use is only indicated if this does not increase risk of heart attack or stroke to the patient, and should only be done under the direction of one’s physician.