Anticoagulants

Prevent the formation of clots. Can be used prophylactically (preventatively).

ALWAYS LOOK AT LAB VALUES!

Coumadin (Warfarin)-used for continued treatment.
*Only oral anticoagulant
*Monitor-->Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR)

-Well absorbed in the GI tract subcutaneously
-Does not cross placenta or breast milk
-Hypersensitivity and bleeding are contradictions
-CONTRADICTIONS with renal/hepatic, retinopathy, ulcers, spinal cord or brain injuries, pregnancy (don't want pt. to bleed out!!)
-Antecdote is Vitamin K

BLEEDING SIDE EFFECT
Watch for bleeding, petichiae
AVOID high Vitamin K foods! (They enhance clotting)
Injection is given in 5/8 in. 26-28 guage needle
May be used until oral therapy is adequate.

May be used with heparin until it is adequate alone.



Heparin-used for acute treatment.
*Sub Q or IV
*Monitor -->Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) OR Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)

-Well absorbed in the GI tract subcutaneously
-Does not cross placenta or breast milk
-Hypersensitivity and bleeding are contradictions
-CONTRADICTIONS with renal/hepatic, retinopathy, ulcers, spinal cord or brain injuries, pregnancy (don't want pt. to bleed out!!)
-Antecdote is protaminie sulfate

BLEEDING SIDE EFFECT
Watch for bleeding, petichiae
AVOID high Vitamin K foods! (They enhance clotting)
Injection is given in 5/8 in. 26-28 guage needle
May be used until oral therapy is adequate.