An anticoagulant is a drug that prevents the clotting of blood (coagulation).Drugs.com: Anticoagulant Certain anticoagulants can be used clinically to treat conditions caused by blood clots such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.MedicineNet: Definition of AnticoagulantHackensack University Medical Center: Why are Anticoagulants Prescribed

There are several factors which contribute to the formation of blood clots. Different anticoagulants work against different factors. Thrombin inhibitors, such as Heparin, interfere with the production of the protein thrombin, which is essential to the formation of clots. Warfarin and similar drugs prevent the liver from manufacturing coagulation factors related to vitamin K.MedicineNet: Anticoagulant Platelets are blood cells which clump together at the site of an injury as part of the clotting process. Antiplatelet drugs, such as Plavix, prevent platelets from sticking together.Official Site: Plavix

While in the hospital in 2007, Dennis Quaid's twins were among several patients given a near fatal overdose of the anticoagulant Heparin. Another 14 premature babies were also given accidental overdoses of Heparin at hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.MSNNBC: Overdose Reportedly Sickens Quaid Twins (November 21, 2007) CBS News: 14 Preemies Given Blood Thinner Overdose (July 8, 2008)

During January 2008, Baxter Healthcare began recalling Heparin from the U.S. market due to an increase in the number of reports of adverse reactions. Heparin has been linked to several deaths, and is the subject of an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration. It was found that some Heparin was contaminated with oversulfated condroitin sulfate.Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Recall -- Firm Press Release eNews 2.0: Heparin-Linked Death Toll Triples to 62 (April 9, 2008)Fox News: FDA Official: Heparin Contamination May Have Been Intentional (April 30, 2008)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please discuss any questions you have about anticoagulants with your physician.

• NursingLink: Anticoagulant Injections Recalled (June 14, 2008)

• eHealth Forum: Strokes (May 28, 2008)

• The Heart Scan Blog: Warfarin is Scary Stuff (April 18, 2008)

• HealthBoards: Moms to Be On Heparin Shots # 3 (February 12, 2008)

• Sandwalk: Inhibiting Blood Clots: Anticoagulants (April 12, 2007)

• MedHelp: Complications From Long Term Anticoagulant Therapy

• DoctorsLounge: Clots & Anticoagulants

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