How to Use Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are drugs that prevent blood clotting. While they cannot dissolve old clots, they do prevent new clots from forming and existing ones from getting larger. These drugs are typically prescribed for people with heart arrhythmia. In essence, anticoagulants are anti-stroke medications for people who are at a higher risk of developing this complication due to existing cardiovascular issues.
There are a lot of prescribed anticoagulants available today. It is usually the doctor's call on the kind of drug to administer to his patients.
Instructions
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Instructions
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Consult with your doctor on the type of anticoagulant you should use for your condition. As earlier mentioned, anticoagulants come in different brand name drugs. Each drug has a different mechanism of action, but all drugs under this category work for the same purpose--as blood thinners.
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Take the medication according to your doctor's advice. It's important to follow the medication schedule prescribed by your doctor when taking anticoagulants. You need to take the drug at the same time every day. If you miss a dose and it's already about time for the next one, do not take the missed dose anymore. Don't double the dose; just follow your normal schedule.
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Always ask your doctor before you take any other medication. Some drugs such as Ibuprofen and aspirin can interact negatively with anticoagulants or even enhance their action. Before you take any other drug for other health problems, make sure to ask your doctor about the safety of using these treatments. The same rule applies when taking supplements and multivitamins.
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In case of emergencies, inform health care providers that you are taking anticoagulants. It's important for future health care professionals you will be consulting with to know that you're taking blood thinners. This will make them more cautious particularly when doing blood work on you or for any other medical emergency that you may encounter.
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Be on the lookout for signs for bleeding or any other adverse reactions to the drug. Anticoagulants have their side effects. Make sure to stay alert for these potential effects when under medication and call your doctor as soon as possible should you experience them.
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Avoid taking alcohol when under medication. If you have to drink, do so in moderation. Alcohol tends to increase the effects of anticoagulants such as Warfarin, so you have to be careful with your alcohol intake.
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Avoid participating in activities that put you at a high risk for injury. Remember that you're taking blood thinners and if you get injured, you can experience excessive bleeding because your blood wouldn't clot as quickly as it normally should. For the duration of your treatment, avoid contact sports or any other strenuous activity that can get you injured.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent excessive bleeding, it would be best to use an electric razor when shaving and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You might also want to opt for nonslip mats in your tub and shower as an extra precaution from accidents and injuries.
It's also advised to get regular blood tests to make sure that you're taking the right dosage of anticoagulants.
