| Abstrakt: |
The coagulation/fibrinolytic system in mammals is a complex and dynamic series of events involving the various clotting factors, platelets, thromboplastins, tissue plasminogen activator, and numerous other proteins. This system has evolved as a means of preventing massive hemorrhage due to damage to blood vessels. In addition to trauma, there are many other factors such as venous stasis and prolonged immobilization that may place an individual at risk for developing thromboembolic disease. The morbidity and mortality due to thromboembolic disease have been significantly reduced since the discovery of anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin, however, its incidence still remains significant. In recent years technological advances have led to the elucidation of the mechanism of action of many of these drugs. These advances have also resulted in the development of newer analogs such as LMWH and the isolation and exploration of compounds such as hirudin that have been long known to medical practitioners. This article has presented a brief review of the pharmacology and pharma-cokinetics of these compounds, the knowledge of which is essential to the safe and effective use of these agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
