Vitamin K Antagonists

Vitamin K antagonists are a class of medications that help prevent blood clots by blocking vitamin K, a vital factor in blood clot formation. They work by inhibiting an enzyme needed to activate certain clotting proteins, reducing the blood's ability to form clots. These drugs are commonly used to treat or prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke in people with certain heart conditions. Because they influence blood clotting, their use requires regular monitoring, usually through blood tests, to ensure the medication is effective while minimizing bleeding risk.