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Anticoagulant
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 Related Terms
• Heparin
• Coumadin
• Warfarin
 
 
Definition: Agent (medication or drug) that delays or prevents blood from coagulating or clotting. Anticoagulants are given when stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessal in the brain. By thinning the blood, further clots and the brain damage they may cause can be prevented.

Also Known As:

  • Warfarin Sodium - generic name for an anticoagulant drug, also known as Coumadin (brand name). Taken by mouth.
  • Heparin Sodium - an anticoagulant that works by blocking the action of blood clotting factors.

Alternate Spellings: anti-coagulant

Common Misspellings: anticoagulunt, anticoagulent, antecoagulent

Related Resources:

Stroke Is An Emergency
Prompt emergency treatment of stroke often includes anticoagulents.

Stroke In The News
News stories about breakthoughs in stroke treatment.

Elsewhere on the Web:

Blood Thinning With WarfarinInformation for patients taking anticoagulents.

CoumadinMore information about blood thiners.

Guide to Anticoagulant Therapy
Information about heparin.


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