Cholesterol and blood thinners
Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)
Used for
Prevent and treat blood clots
How it works
Blocks vitamin K, which the liver needs to make clotting factors, so blood clots more slowly.
Watch for
Needs regular INR blood tests. Many drug interactions; keep vitamin K in the diet steady. Reversed with vitamin K.
- Examples
- warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
More in cholesterol and blood thinners
- StatinsHigh cholesterol; lower heart attack and stroke risk
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitorsHigh cholesterol, often with a statin
- FibratesHigh triglycerides
- Factor Xa inhibitorsPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- Direct thrombin 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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