Best blood thinners

Thick blood is an increased risk of thrombosis. To reduce blood viscosity, a large group of drugs are used, which are called blood thinners. They differ in their mechanism of action, but all, without exception, affect hemostasis – a process that provides a balance between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems of the blood.

Self-selection of drugs is contraindicated. And after prescribing them from a doctor, you should strictly follow all the prescribed recommendations.

Top 10 safe and affordable blood thinners, according to KP

1. Aspirin

The active substance is acetylsacylic acid.

The drug belongs to the group of antiplatelet agents (drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots). It slows down the “gluing” of platelets – the proteins from which blood clots or blood clots are formed. Also, the drug belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), therefore, it has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. As an antiplatelet agent, it is usually prescribed at a dosage of 75-150 mg per day.

Показания:

• prevention of stroke, heart attack, thromboembolism.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to aspirin;
• increased risk of bleeding;
• serious diseases of the liver, kidneys, endocrine system;
• pregnancy and lactation.

Aspirin has quite pronounced side effects. During long-term use, allergies, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur.

2. Aspicor

According to the mechanism of action, the drug is identical to aspirin, since the active substance is acetylsalicylic acid. The drug is available in tablets with a dosage of 100 mg. Unlike aspirin, Aspicor contains excipients that do not act so aggressively on the gastric mucosa. The enteric coating allows the active substance to enter the bloodstream from the small intestinal mucosa, which significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Показания:

• prevention of stroke, heart attack, thromboembolism;
• unstable angina;
• prophylaxis after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to aspirin;
• increased risk of bleeding;
• serious diseases of the liver, kidneys, endocrine system;
• pregnancy and lactation.

3. Plavix

The active substance is clopidogrel.

The drug belongs to the group of antiplatelet agents. Like acetylsalicylic acid, it prevents platelets from sticking together, but has a different mechanism of action. Therefore, Plavix can be used alone or in combination with aspirin. Plavix is ​​taken with or without food. Long-term use is recommended.

Показания:

• transferred myocardial infarction;
• acute coronary syndrome;
• atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation)

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to clopidogrel;
• acute bleeding;
• liver failure;
• age up to 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation.

4. Trental

The active substance is pentoxifylline.

The drug belongs to vasodilating (vasodilating) agents. It reduces viscosity and improves blood flow, as it prevents red blood cells and platelets from sticking together and reduces the concentration of fibrinogen, one of the blood clotting factors. Pentoxifylline also has a vasodilating effect, which leads to improved blood circulation. The drug is taken during or immediately after a meal.

Показания:

• blockage of blood vessels due to atherosclerosis or diabetes;
• trophic ulcers;
• conditions after a stroke;
• violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the organs of the eyes or hearing.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to pentoxifylline;
• massive bleeding;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• hemorrhage in the brain;
• pregnancy and lactation.

It is taken with caution in case of serious diseases of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system. With some drugs (theophylline, ciprofloxacin and others), simultaneous administration is contraindicated.

5. Curantyl

The active substance is dipyridamole.

The drug belongs to the group of vasodilators. The active substance dipyradamol has a vasodilating effect, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure, normalization of venous outflow. Dipyridamole also slows down the adhesion of platelets and thereby reduces the risk of thrombosis. The drug is taken before meals.

Показания:

• treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular accidents;
• prevention of coronary heart disease and thromboembolism.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to dipyridamole;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• serious diseases of the cardiovascular system (uncontrolled decrease or increase in blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart failure, unstable angina);
• stomach or duodenal ulcers;
• chronic renal and hepatic insufficiency.

During pregnancy and lactation, admission is possible, but as directed by a doctor.

6. Tiklid

The active substance is ticlopidine. The drug belongs to the group of antiplatelet agents. It inhibits the “gluing” of platelets and has a blood-thinning effect. It is not recommended to take simultaneously with aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as heparin and other anticoagulants, which may increase the risk of bleeding.

Показания:

• prevention of stroke, heart attack, thromboembolism;
• prevention of ischemic complications;
• thrombosis prevention.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to ticlopidine;
• hemorrhagic diathesis in history;
• ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract;
• severe hepatic impairment;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• blood diseases that are accompanied by increased bleeding.

7. Xarelto

The active substance is rivaroxaban.

The drug belongs to the group of anticoagulants that reduce blood clotting. It is actively prescribed for coronavirus patients and those who have been ill for the prevention of thrombosis. During treatment, Xarelto does not require blood clotting measurements, making it convenient to use. Bioavailability does not depend on food intake.

Показания:

• prevention and treatment of strokes, thrombosis and thromboembolism.

Противопоказания:

• an allergic reaction to the components of the drug;
• increased risk of bleeding;
• age up to 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• renal and hepatic failure.

The drug is not prescribed simultaneously with heparin and oral anticoagulants, so as not to provoke bleeding.

8. Prodaxa

The active substance is dabigatran.

The drug belongs to the group of anticoagulants. It is prescribed regardless of the meal. The drug should be taken at the same time, and the missed tablet should be compensated immediately. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug is contraindicated.

Показания:

• prevention of thrombus formation during the replacement of the hip or knee joint;
• prevention of stroke, thromboembolism;
• prescribed for atrial fibrillation.

Противопоказания:

• allergy to any of the components of the drug;
• damage to any organs as a result of bleeding during the previous 6 months;
• kidney failure;
• severe liver dysfunction;
• prosthetic heart valves;
• age to 18 years.

9. Warfarin

An indirect anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. The drug is intended for long-term use with mandatory monitoring. The dosage is prescribed strictly under the supervision of a physician.

Показания:

• treatment and prevention of thrombosis and embolism of blood vessels;
• prevention of strokes and heart attacks;
• prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation, prosthetic valves.

Противопоказания:

• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• bleeding tendency;
• recent craniocerebral and ophthalmic operations;
• serious liver or kidney disease;
• severe arterial hypertension;
• acute DIC.

The action of Warfarin may be enhanced by simultaneous use with other anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

10. Thrombovazim

The drug belongs to the group of fibrinolytics that affect the process of dissolution of blood clots.

The main effect of the drug is the destruction of fibrin threads, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Thrombovasim also improves myocardial blood supply and is an anti-inflammatory agent. The drug is taken 40 minutes before meals, which is necessary to achieve maximum plasma concentration.

Показания:

• chronic venous insufficiency (as a supplement).

Противопоказания:

• an allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and / or 12 duodenal ulcer;
• age up to 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation.

How to choose blood thinners

All drugs that affect the hemostasis system (the system that maintains the liquid state of the blood) are divided into groups:

• directly affecting blood clotting (coagulants and anticoagulants);
• affecting the process of dissolution of blood clots (fibrinolytics and inhibitors of fibrinolysis);
• preventing the connection of platelets (antiplatelet agents).

For the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are used. For emergency care in acute conditions, fibrinolytics are usually used, which can quickly dissolve blood clots.

• Anticoagulants

They slow down the process of blood clotting and can dissolve already formed blood clots. There are direct (heparin, enoxaparin, dabigatran) and indirect action (warfarin). Their main difference is that direct-acting drugs directly affect the clotting factor, while indirect drugs reduce the activity of vitamin K.

• Fibrinolytics

A group of drugs that can dissolve fresh blood clots (streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase).

• Antiplatelet agents

Drugs that prevent platelets from sticking together and their subsequent adhesion to the vessel wall (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, tirofiban, trental).

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to prescribing blood thinners with therapist Tatyana Pomerantseva.

Sources:

1. REGISTER OF DRUGS OF RUSSIA® RLS®, 2000-2022.