Cholesterol and blood thinners
Direct thrombin inhibitors
Used for
Prevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
How it works
Block thrombin, the enzyme that makes the final clot.
Watch for
Dabigatran capsules stay in the original bottle to keep out moisture.
- Name clue
- -gatran
- Examples
- dabigatran (Pradaxa)
More in cholesterol and blood thinners
- StatinsHigh cholesterol; lower heart attack and stroke risk
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitorsHigh cholesterol, often with a statin
- FibratesHigh triglycerides
- Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)Prevent and treat blood clots
- Factor Xa inhibitorsPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- HeparinsPrevent and treat clots, often in the hospital
- AntiplateletsPrevent heart attack and stroke; after stents
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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