Anticoagulants: how does each one work, and how is it reversed?
Five ways to stop blood clotting — and five different antidotes to know.
Select any card for the reasoning, what to watch for and an exam tip.
Anticoagulants
Key points
- Non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a DOAC is recommended; warfarin if DOACs are unsuitable.
- Warfarin needs INR checks; DOACs need no routine anticoagulant monitoring.
- Warfarin takes 48 to 72 hours to work fully — cover with a heparin when an immediate effect is needed.
- Anticoagulants act on clotting factors; antiplatelets such as aspirin and clopidogrel act on platelets.
Key takeaway
Heparins → protamine (partly for LMWH). Warfarin → vitamin K. Apixaban and rivaroxaban → andexanet alfa. Dabigatran → idarucizumab.