Antitromboottisten

Antitromboottisten is a broad category of medicines that reduce thrombus formation, thereby preventing complications from thrombosis. They act by altering blood coagulation, platelet function, or fibrinolysis. The term is often used in contexts referring to antithrombotic therapy in cardiovascular and hematologic care.

The main classes are anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytics. Anticoagulants such as warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs: apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, dabigatran) inhibit components of the coagulation cascade to prevent fibrin formation. Heparins, including unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins, act by accelerating antithrombin activity. Antiplatelet drugs, including aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor), prevent platelet activation and aggregation. Thrombolytics like alteplase and tenecteplase promote fibrinolysis by converting plasminogen to plasmin, dissolving existing clots.

Indications vary by class. Anticoagulants are used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism, and prevention of thromboembolism in surgical patients. Antiplatelets are central to management of acute coronary syndromes and post-PCI, as well as some cerebrovascular indications. Thrombolytics are employed in acute ischemic stroke, certain myocardial infarctions, and massive pulmonary embolism when reperfusion is needed.

Safety and monitoring are essential. Bleeding risk is the main concern, requiring patient selection, dosing adjustments, and, for some drugs, laboratory monitoring (INR for warfarin, aPTT or anti-Xa for heparin, renal function for DOACs). Reversal strategies exist for many agents in cases of major bleeding.