Anticoagulants

Definition of Anticoagulants:

• Anticoagulants are medications that inhibit blood clot formation, thereby reducing the risk of thromboembolic events such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
• They are essential in preventing abnormal clotting in various medical conditions.

Mechanism of Action:

• Vitamin K Antagonists:
  • Drugs like Warfarin and Anisindione inhibit the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, decreasing the regeneration of active vitamin K.
  • This impairs the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X), reducing the blood’s ability to form clots.
• Antiplatelet Agents:
  • Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the P2Y₁₂ ADP receptor on platelets, preventing them from clumping together to form clots.

Common Anticoagulant Drugs:

1. Vitamin K Antagonists:

   • Warfarin
   • Anisindione

2. Antiplatelet Agents:

   • Clopidogrel

Uses:

• Preventing and treating thromboembolic disorders (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
• Prophylaxis in individuals with mechanical heart valves
• Reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with coronary artery disease

Side Effects of Anticoagulants:

• Vitamin K Antagonists:

• • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Teratogenic effects (contraindicated in pregnancy)
  • Numerous drug and food interactions affecting vitamin K levels

• Antiplatelet Agents:

• • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Rarely, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!