Updated Bloodthinners

Here is an updated list with some common blood thinners that you may run into. If you think of any other types of blood thinners, please leave a comment, so I can update the list. In addition, I also added how the blood thinner works in the body, thus causing its effects. If you scroll all the way to the bottom, I have included a picture of the coagulation cascade. This process id very tough and confusing, so i highly recommend that you watch a few youtube(R) videos on the system. I, myself, still don't fully understand the entire cascade system. So, if you find a way that helps you to remember, please leave a comment, or upload your diagram to help others, and myself, understand the system.


KEY
-Brand Name (Generic Name)

-How it works

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

-The drug works by irreversibly inhibiting a receptor called P2Y₁₂*, an adenosine diphosphate (ADP), organic compound in metabolism, chemoreceptor on platelet cell membranes

Coumadin (Warfarin)

-Vitamin K antagonist (attaches to a receptor site, but does not cause a response)

Heparin (heparin)

-Regulating the activity of the body's natural antigolaulant molecules (antithrombin III)

Pradaxa (dabigatran)

-PRADAXA is a type of medicine known as a direct thrombin inhibitor. 

-PRADAXA works by attaching itself to thrombin—the blood’s central clotting agent. This reduces the ability of the thrombin to cause a clot.

Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

-Blocks Factor Xa (FXa)** at a central point in the coagulation cascade, where the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways meet, helping to modulate thrombin generation

Aspirin

-       -Prevents in the formation of platelets

-        

Eliquis (apixaban)

-       -Blocking Factor Xa**, which is a blood clotting factor critical to the blood clotting process.

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*P2Y12 is a chemoreceptor for adenosine diphosphate(ADP).

**Factor Xa (FXa) is a trypsin-like serine protease that plays a key role in the blood coagulation cascade. It holds a central position that links the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to the final common coagulation pathway. Factor Xa converts the prothrombin zymogen to its active form, thrombin.

Intrinsic – contact activation pathway - vessel wall damnage causes activation

Extrinsic – tissue factor pathway 



Coagulation Cascade Diagram