Blood thinners are a bang out of medication that prevents blood clots from forming in the body.
There are two different types: anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
They can be taken to treat or prevent blood clots due to certain conditions.
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These conditions includedeep vein thrombosis (DVT),pulmonary embolism, andatrial fibrillation.
Getty Images /Scott Olson/ Staff
1.
Arixtra (Fondaparinux)
Arixtra is taken to prevent blood clotting, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism.
Factor Xa is a clotting protein in the body.
Arixtra works by limiting the bloods clotting ability.
Arixtra comes in an injection dosage form.
Eliquis is a factor Xa inhibitor.
It works by selectively slowing down something called thrombin, a molecule responsible for clotting blood in the body.
Eliquis is available in an oral tablet form.
Fragmin is categorized as an anticoagulant, also known as a low-molecular-weight heparin.
It works by increasing the ability of a clotting protein in the body, factor Xa.
Fragmin is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Heparin
Heparin is taken for:
Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant.
Anticoagulants interact with the proteins responsible for blood clotting (antithrombin III) and stop the clotting factors.
Heparinis administered either intravenously or subcutaneously.
Lovenox is classified as a low-molecular-weight heparin.
Lovenox, like heparin, is administered either intravenously or subcutaneously.
It is also taken to treat DVT and pulmonary embolism.
Savaysa is classified as a factor Xa inhibitor.
Savaysa is available in tablet form only.
It is available in three different strengths: 60 mg, 30 mg, and 15 mg.
It is usually taken once a day.
Savaysa may be crushed and mixed into applesauce for individuals who cannot swallow or experience difficulty swallowing.
Unlike the other blood thinners discussed, Xarelto has two different dosage forms: oral tablet and oral liquid.
It also comes in pre-flavored oral suspension, which is 1 mg/milliliter (mL) strength.
Warfarin
Warfarins intended use is for:
Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist.
Vitamin K antagonists work by stopping vitamin K clotting factors in the blood.
While taking warfarin, its important to be aware of your diet.
Foods rich invitamin Kcan affect how well your medication works.
Warfarin only comes in oral tablet form.
It is commercially available as a tablet in nine different strengths.
Plavix is taken as an oral tablet.
It comes in two strengths: 75 mg and 300 mg.
10.
Effient (Prasugrel)
Effient (prasugrel), like clopidogrel, is also a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor.
Effient is taken to reduce any blood clots from forming in the heart.
This includes individuals who have had stents surgically added to their heart.
Effient is often taken along with aspirin.
Effient is available in tablet form to be taken by mouth.
It comes in strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg.
11.
Like Effient, Brilinta is often taken along with aspirin.
Brilinta comes in 60 mg and 90 mg tablets.
Aspirin
Aspirin is anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)that also works as a blood thinner.
It is considered an antiplatelet agent.
However, its best to consult your healthcare provider before starting this regimen.
If taken together, aspirin can interact with certain blood thinners by enhancing bleeding risk.
Therefore, if you are on other blood-thinning medications, talk to your healthcare provider before starting aspirin.
Whats the Difference Between Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets?
Though anticoagulants and antiplatelets may seem to have the same functions and features, they do not.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelets both work in different places in the process of blood clotting.
P2Y12 inhibitors, a bang out of antiplatelet medication, are sometimes prescribed with daily aspirin therapy.
Anticoagulants, on the other hand, are usually never taken with aspirin unless approved by your provider.
Antiplatelet drugs are mostly given to people who haveatherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a jot down of heart disease wherein plaque builds up in the arteries valves.
Anticoagulants are mostly taken by those with atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, or mechanical heart valves.
These medications may differ in their specific indications and whom they would benefit most.
The wide range of blood thinners available gives healthcare providers multiple options to choose for their patients.
The author would like to recognize and thank Sakina Yasmin Naqvi for contributing to this article.
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National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Eliquisapixaban tablet, film coated[drug label].
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