Anticoagulants in NCLEX and Warfarin Education for Patients

Anticoagulants 

 Examples

! heparin (generic)

! warfarin* (Coumadin)

Indirect factor Xa inhibitor

! fondaparinux (Arixtra)

LMWH

! dalteparin (Fragmin)

! enoxaparin (Lovenox)

! tinzaparin (Innohep)

Thrombin inhibitors

! argatroban (generic)

! bivalirudin (Angiomax)

! dabigatran* (Pradaxa)

! desirudin (Iprivask)

! lepirudin (rDNA)

*One of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications. 
! high alert drug

These medications impede the synthesis of clotting factors, inhibit thrombin, or interfere with the formation of blood platelets.

Uses: They are utilized to prevent or manage blood clots associated with conditions such as stroke, heart attack, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Nice To Know: Foods high in vitamin K (such as leafy green vegetables) may diminish the effectiveness of anticoagulant drug therapy.

Good To Know: Clients should be asked about their use of herbal remedies as Ginseng and St. John's wort can decrease PT/INR, while Ginkgo biloba, garlic, chamomile, and licorice root can increase PT/INR.

Really Important To Know: The therapeutic range of effectiveness for most anticoagulants is typically 1.5-2 or 2.5 times the "normal" lab values. It's crucial to know the client's lab results before administering anticoagulants.

Warfarin Education for Patients