Pharmacology

Question 1

Anticoagulant (Heparin, Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux)

Answer 1

Used in thrombotic disorders
Interactions: All herbal medications, NSAIDS
Therapeutic use: Stroke, Pulmonary embolism (sudden blockage in a lung artery),
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots that form inside veins)

Complications: Toxicity, Hemorrhage, Neurological damage from hematoma- (collection of blood outside the blood vessels)

Question 2

Antiplatelet
Aspirin, Abciximab, Clopidogrel, Dipyridamole

Answer 2

Therapeutic Use: Primary prevention of acute myocardial infarction, prevention of ischemic stroke or transient attack

Complications: GI effects (nausea vomiting, dyspepsia), Bleeding

Contraindications/Precautions: Renal and liver disease, older adults, pregnant, bleeding disorders

Question 3

Thrombolytic Agents
(Alteplase)

Answer 3

Therapeutic Use: Given to dissolve thrombi by stimulating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin (Enzyme that breaks down fibrin)

Goal: reestablish blood flow as quickly as possible, prevent/limit tissue damage

Main adverse effect: bleeding

Protamine sulfate is the antidote.

Contraindications: Hemorrhage, active internal bleeding