Question

Mr. Arnold is a 54-year-old male admitted with an acute myocardial infarction. His treatment plan includes aspirin 325 mg chew and swallow and an IV infusion of heparin and alteplase (Activase) to infuse over 2 hours.

Describe the therapeutic action of each anticoagulant medication related to the prevention and destruction of a blood clot

Answer 1

The production of prostaglandins increase during inflammation as the prostaglandins promote inflammation. Thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) is the principal messenger produced by the activated platelets, and their function is to further stimulate the platelet activation. TXA₂ is a prostaglandin derivative that favour the process of platelet aggregation.

Aspirin:

Aspirin is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) that acts by inhibiting the production of TXA₂. So, aspirin inhibit the platelet coagulation, and reduce the inflammation.

Heparin:

Heparin acts by inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

Alteplase:

The abbreviation “t-PA” refers to “tissue-plasminogen activator.” Alteplase (t-PA) is a thrombolytic drug, which is given in the treatment of myocardial infarction, and acute ischemic stroke. This drug dissolves the clot or thrombus and prevent the blockade of blood vessels.