Chapter 41

Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic Drugs

Laura Green MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath

Laura Green MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath

Department of Haematology, Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, UK

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Samuel J. Machin MD, FRCP, FRCPath

Samuel J. Machin MD, FRCP, FRCPath

University College London, London, UK

University College London Hospitals, London, UK

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First published: 10 April 2012
Citations: 1

Summary

Arterial and venous thrombosis is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the developed world; effective antithrombotic therapies are an important part of their management. The limitations of the old antithrombotic agents and the continuous advances in the understanding of the hemostatic process have led to the development of novel agents and the publication of some of the largest clinical trials in the field of antithrombotic therapy in the last 20 years. The multiplicity of available agents has increased the complexity of the management of thrombotic conditions; above all, a delicate balance needs to be maintained between reducing the occurrence of thrombotic events and minimizing the bleeding risk. This chapter will provide an overview of the most commonly used antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic agents in clinical practice.

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