Cholesterol and blood thinners
Heparins
Used for
Prevent and treat clots, often in the hospital
How it works
Boost antithrombin, the body's own clot blocker. Given by injection.
Watch for
Bleeding. Heparin is reversed with protamine sulfate.
- Name clue
- -parin
- Examples
- heparin
- enoxaparin (Lovenox)
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)
- Direct thrombin inhibitorsPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- 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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