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All 3 medications work in one way or another to prevent blood clot formation, some in the ARTERIES (high-pressure blood vessels), some in the VEINS (low-pressure blood vessels). Clotting is like fire or water, too much of it at the right time or some of it at the wrong time might be disastrous. For clotting to occur (thus preventing one bleeds to death) you basically need 2 ingredients (I'm grossly oversimplifying):
1) platelets and
2) coagulation factors (aka "the coagulation cascade", which I will refer to a few times during my explanation).
1) ASPIRIN: I will start with aspirin first, since you can get it over the counter and it's probably most commonly known. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting the production of thromboxane A2 (I'm oversimplifying).
There's a myth that aspirin can help you reduce the chance of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) during a long flight (travel does not necessarily need to be by air, it could be by any other means; actually, it's prolonged immobility --stagnant blood-- which increases the risk of DVT). Aspirin is taken by many to reduce the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes, but these events happen if ARTERIES (not VEINS) are clogged, therefore aspirin hasn't shown to decrease DVT risk.
2) HEPARIN and WARFARIN: I will comment on both of these together, since they both affect the "coagulation cascade" and therefore are quite similar in their mode of action.
HEPARIN inactivates coagulation factor Xa in the coagulation cascade, therefore inhibiting conversion of pro-thrombin to thrombin. At higher doses, heparin will also inactivate factors IX, X, XI and XII and II, therefore inhibiting conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. I believe heparin tends to affect more the "intrinsic pathway" of the coagulation cascade.
WARFARIN (originally and still used --in the right amount and presentation-- as a rat "bleeder" poison) interferes with hepatic (liver) synthesis of vitamin k- dependent clotting factors II, VIII, IX and X. Thus, people who suffer from liver disease, may be prone to bleeding easily. Conversely, if you eat too many vitamin k-containing foods while on warfarin, you may counteract the medication's efficacy. Warfarin tends to affect more the "extrinsic pathway" of the coagulation cascade.
I hope this helps. And, please, if there are any errors on my explanation, do point them out!
What else can I help you with?
What are the drug interactions associated with bromelain?
Not to be combined with other blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, heparin or aspirin or other blood-thinning herbs such as garlic or gingko biloba.
What is the medical term meaning medication to prevent new clots from forming?
Coumadin (Warfarin), Heparin, Aspirin, Lovenox.
What is Often used to thin the blood of heart patients in hospitals?
Coumadin/Warfarin is often used as an anticoagulent in cardiac medicine. More modern solutions include Plavix (clopidrogel) and aspirin together. Heparin is also used in IV delivery.
What substance decreases the bodys ability to clot?
Aspirin is a common substance that decreases the body's ability to clot by inhibiting platelet function. Other substances like anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin) can also reduce clotting by interfering with the clotting process.
What drugs might be given to prolong the clotting time?
Anticoagulant drugs such as Heparin, Warfarin, Rixaroxaban, Dabigatran, etc.
What is an antithrombotic agent?
An antithrombotic agent is a medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming in the blood vessels. These agents are used to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis. Examples of antithrombotic agents include aspirin, heparin, and warfarin.
What medications affect platelet aggregation tests?
drugs that can decrease platelet aggregation include aspirin, some antibiotics, beta blockers, dextran (Macrodex), alcohol, heparin (Lipo-Hepin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tricyclic antidepressants, and warfarin
What does not hasten clotting?
Anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin do not hasten clotting. These medications work by preventing the formation of new blood clots or by breaking down existing blood clots.
What releases heparin?
Heparin is released by mast cells. These cells are found in connective tissue and contain numerous basophilic granules. In addition to heparin, they also release histamine in response to injury or inflammation.
What are the drug interactions associated with taking notoginseng root?
Notoginseng root is not to be taken by those taking warfarin, heparin, anticoagulants, ticlopidine.
What is the medical term meaning an agent that works against the formation of blood clots?
An Anti Coagulant (Coumadin/Warfarin, Heparin, Lovnox, etc...)
What are differences between heparin sodium heparin calcium?
Heparin sodium and heparin calcium are both types of heparin, but they differ in terms of the counter ions they are bound to. Heparin sodium has a sodium ion as a counter ion, while heparin calcium has a calcium ion. This difference can affect the dosage and administration of the medication.
