Drug Class |
Common Versions |
Mechanism of Action |
Indications |
Rehab Implications |
Anti-coagulants |
Unfractionated Heparin |
Inactivating thrombin and activated factor X (factor Xa), effect time 24hrs |
Prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), used in patients with impaired kidney function |
Increased risk of bleeding (check aPTT) |
Anti-coagulants |
Low Molecular weight Heparin (Lovenox) |
Inactivating thrombin and activated factor X (factor Xa), effect time 3-5hrs |
Prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) |
Increased risk of bleeding (check aPTT) |
Anti-coagulants |
Warfarin (Coumadin) |
Blocks effect of Vitamin K-epoxide reductase |
Long term anticoagulation (Afib, Afib, Chronic DVT) |
Increased risk of bleeding (check INR) |
Anti-coagulants |
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) |
Direct factor Xa inhibitors |
Prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), appears more ffective than LMWH with less dosage |
Increased bleading risk |
Anti-platelets |
(ASA) Aspirin |
COX1 and COX2 inhibitor, prevents platelet aggregation |
Used in low doses to treat chronic clotting disorders, used in high dosages in acute events |
Increased bleading risk |
Anti-platelets |
Clopridogrel (Plavix) |
ADP inhibitor, prevents platelet aggregation |
Used in low doses to treat chronic clotting disorders, used in high dosages in acute events |
Increased bleading risk |
Thrombolytics (Tissue Plasminogen Activator |
Streptokinase (Streptase), UroKinase (Abbokinase) |
Facilitates breakdown of formed clots, by converting plasminogen to plasmin. |
Used to treat Acute MI, PE and CVA |
Patients may be held on bed rest 24-48hrs post TPA this is changing with new evidence |