Anticoagulant Reversal Agents

Definition

Anticoagulant Reversal Agents are medications used to counteract the effects of anticoagulants, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding. These agents are crucial in emergency situations or when patients need urgent surgery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vitamin K is commonly used to reverse the effects of warfarin.
2. Idarucizumab is a specific reversal agent for dabigatran.
3. Protamine sulfate is used to neutralize heparin and low molecular weight heparins.
4. Andexanet alfa reverses the anticoagulant effects of factor Xa inhibitors such as apixaban and rivaroxaban.
5. Reversal agents should be administered under close medical supervision due to potential complications.

Review Questions

• What is the role of Vitamin K in anticoagulant reversal?
• Which reversal agent is used specifically for dabigatran?
• Name an agent that can counteract the effects of factor Xa inhibitors.

Related terms

Warfarin: A commonly used oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

Heparin: An injectable anticoagulant that activates antithrombin III, inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa.

Thrombolytics: Drugs that dissolve blood clots by activating plasminogen to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin.