An antithrombotic agent is a drug that reduces the formation of blood clots (thrombi).http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?antithrombotic Antithrombotics can be used therapeutically for prevention (primary prevention, secondary prevention) or treatment of a dangerous blood clot (acute thrombus). In the U.S., the American College of Chest Physicians publishes clinical guidelines for clinicians for the use of these drugs to treat and prevent a variety of diseases.
Processes Different antithrombotics affect different blood clotting processes: Antiplatelet drugs limit the migration or aggregation of platelets. Anticoagulants limit the ability of the blood to clot. Thrombolytic drugs act to dissolve clots after they have formed.
See also Direct Xa inhibitor Warfarin
References
External links Antithrombotic Therapy / American Society of Hematology