Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are medications that help prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. They work by interfering with the blood's clotting process, which is vital for stopping bleeding but can be problematic if clots form inappropriately, leading to conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Common anticoagulants include warfarin, heparin, and newer medications like dabigatran or rivaroxaban. They are often prescribed for people at risk of blood clots due to medical conditions, surgeries, or prolonged immobility, and they require careful management to balance the benefit of preventing clots with the risk of excessive bleeding.