Anticoagulant Drugs Classifications

Classification of Anticoagulant

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Anticoagulants are medicines that stop blood from clotting too quickly. They help keep blood flowing smoothly. These drugs don’t actually thin the blood, but they stop clots from forming or getting bigger. Doctors use them to treat and prevent serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the lungs or legs. Anticoagulants can be life-saving when used properly.

KD Tripathi Classification

  • Parenteral anticoagulants
    • Indirect thrombin inhibitors
      • Heparin (unfractionated)
      • Low molecular weight heparins (Enoxaparin, Reviparin, Nadroparin, Dalteparin, Parnaparin, Ardeparin)
      • Fondaparinux
      • Danaparoid
    • Direct thrombin inhibitors
      • Lepirudin
      • Bivalirudin
      • Argatroban
  • Oral anticoagulants
    • Coumarin derivatives
      • Bishydroxycoumarin (dicumarol)
      • Warfarin sod.
      • Acenocoumarol (Nicoumalone)
      • Ethyl-biscoum-acetate
    • Direct factor Xa inhibitor
      • Rivaroxaban
    • Oral direct thrombin inhibitor
      • Dabigatran-etexilate
  • In vitro anticoagulants
    • Heparin
    • Sod. edetate
    • Sod. citrate
    • Sod. oxalate

Based on Mechanism of Action

Anticoagulants are mainly grouped by how they work in the body.

a) Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs)

These block the action of vitamin K. Vitamin K helps blood clot.

  • Example: Warfarin
    VKAs need regular blood tests to check dosage levels.

b) Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)

These work faster than VKAs and don’t need frequent blood tests.

  • Two types:
    • Direct Thrombin Inhibitors: Block thrombin directly.
      • Example: Dabigatran
    • Factor Xa Inhibitors: Block factor Xa, a key clotting protein.
      • Examples: Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban

c) Heparins

These are older and often given by injection.

  • Two types:
    • Unfractionated Heparin (UFH): Works quickly, used in hospitals.
    • Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH): Safer and longer-lasting.
      • Examples: Enoxaparin, Dalteparin

Based on Route of Administration

Some anticoagulants are taken by mouth. Others are given as injections.

  • Oral anticoagulants: Warfarin, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban
  • Injectable anticoagulants: Heparin, Enoxaparin

Natural Anticoagulants in the Body

Our body also makes its own anticoagulants.

  • Examples: Antithrombin III, Protein C, Protein S
    These help control clotting naturally.

Uses of Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are used to manage many conditions. Here are the most common uses:

  • Preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
    People with irregular heartbeats are at high risk for blood clots.
  • Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
    Anticoagulants help dissolve clots in deep veins, usually in the legs.
  • Managing pulmonary embolism (PE)
    They stop the growth of clots in the lungs and prevent new ones.
  • After surgeries like hip or knee replacement
    These drugs reduce the chance of clots forming after major surgeries.
  • Preventing blood clots in people with heart conditions
    Especially those with artificial heart valves or a history of heart attack.
  • During dialysis or blood transfusions
    Anticoagulants are used to keep blood from clotting in medical machines.

Reference

  • Classification of Anticoagulant- KD Tripathi
  • What Are the Types of Anticoagulants?- Web-md

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