Blood clots within blood vessels can effectively shut off the flow of blood to the tissues they supply. This can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or other circulatory crises. An individual is at increased risk of clot formation if they have atherosclerosis. A physician may prescribe a drug that prevents blood clots or causes them to disperse. As is the case with most medications, the side effects vary from increased bleeding to indigestion and dizziness.
Thrombolytic
Thrombolytic medications are often used to treat heart attacks. These drugs dissolve blood clots, restoring the normal blood supply to the heart. According to The American Heart Association, a person has a better chance of surviving a heart attack if they receive a drug of this type within 12 hours of the attack. The most commonly used thrombolytics are streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA. The association also states that tPa is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for immediate use after a stroke. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the most common side effect from thrombolytics is hemorrhage or bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin help to maintain normal blood flow in people who have an increased risk of clot formation, such as individuals with heart failure or who have been bedridden. Anticoagulants prevent the extension of existing clots and development of new ones. These drugs do not dissolve clots that have already formed, a task performed by substances in the body or by thrombolytic drugs. Individuals with artificial heart valves may have to take this drug indefinitely. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, side effects include unusual bruising, headache, stomachache, dizziness or weakness, to name a few. Heparin is a fast-acting anticoagulant, usually administered intravenously in a health care setting.
Antiplatelets
Antiplatelet drugs reduce the ability of platelets to stick together and form a clot. These drugs can be used as a precautionary measure to prevent clot formation after heart surgery or a heart attack. The most commonly used antiplatelet drug is aspirin that can be taken in varying doses from 50 to 300 mg every day or every other day. Antiplatelet drug therapy usually continues indefinitely in most cases. According to the Cleveland Clinic, side effects include nausea, rash, indigestion and dizziness to name a few.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: Thrombolytic Therapy
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Blood Thinner Pills
- Cleveland Clinic, Antiplatelet Drugs
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart Disease Medicine: Thrombolytic Therapy (Clot Busters or Reperfusion Therapy)
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: How is a Heart Attack Treated?
