An antithrombotic agent is a drug that reduces the formation of blood clots (thrombi). Antithrombotics can be used therapeutically for prevention (primary prevention, secondary prevention) or treatment of a dangerous blood clot (acute thrombus). In the U.S., the American College of Chest Physicians publishes clinical guidelines for clinicians for the use of these drugs to treat and prevent a variety of diseases.
Processes
Different antithrombotics affect different blood clotting processes:
- Antiplatelet drugs limit the migration or aggregation of platelets.
- Anticoagulants limit the ability of the blood to clot.
- Thrombolytic drugs act to dissolve clots after they have formed.
See also
External links
- Antithrombotic Therapy / American Society of Hematology
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Major chemical drug groups – based upon the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System
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gastrointestinal tract / metabolism (A) |
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blood and blood forming organs (B) |
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cardiovascular system (C) |
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| skin (D) | |
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genitourinary system (G) |
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endocrine system (H) |
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infections and infestations (J, P, QI) |
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malignant disease (L01–L02) |
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immune disease (L03–L04) |
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muscles, bones, and joints (M) |
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brain and nervous system (N) |
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respiratory system (R) |
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| sensory organs (S) | |
| other ATC (V) | |
