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Oral anticoagulants

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Pharmacology for Nurses

Definition

Oral anticoagulants are medications taken by mouth to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. They work by inhibiting specific factors in the coagulation pathway.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Common oral anticoagulants include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban and rivaroxaban.
  2. Warfarin requires regular blood monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) to ensure therapeutic levels.
  3. Direct oral anticoagulants have fewer dietary restrictions compared to warfarin.
  4. Patients on oral anticoagulants should be educated on signs of bleeding and when to seek medical attention.
  5. Certain medications and foods can interact with oral anticoagulants, affecting their efficacy.

Review Questions

  • What are some examples of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)?
  • Why does warfarin require regular blood monitoring?
  • What should patients be educated about while taking oral anticoagulants?

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