Anticoagulant and Fibrinolytic Therapy

Prior to starting therapy with an anticoagulant, a physical examination and a health history should be done, a medication profile (including the use of over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and natural products) should be completed, and laboratory studies should be performed. At a minimum, the laboratory studies should include a complete blood count (CBC), including platelet count, aPTT, INR, and PT. Liver function tests and tests of renal function may also be needed. Dosing of some anticoagulants must be adjusted if the patient has a hepatic or renal impairment. If the patient has severe hepatic or renal impairment, the use of some anticoagulants is contraindicated. Examples are listed below.

Direct-acting anticoagulants: Dosing of dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban should be adjusted based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Heparin: No dosing adjustment needed.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs): Dosing may need adjustment based on the eGFR.

Warfarin: No dosing adjustment needed.

Dosing of apixaban, argatroban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban should be decreased, or the drug should not be used if the patient has severe hepatic impairment.^11-14

The need for pharmacogenetic testing to determine a patient’s ability or inability to metabolize anticoagulants should be determined on a case-by-case basis. (This issue will be discussed in more detail in the section on warfarin).

During anticoagulant therapy, the patient should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Bleeding can be minor, or there can be severe gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, pericardial, retro-peritoneal, and intracranial hemorrhage. Coagulation studies are ordered on as needed basis.

Patient education should include information about adherence to the medication regimen, diet, exercise, discussing the use of over-the-counter medications and supplements with a pharmacist or the prescriber, safety issues, and self-monitoring for signs/symptoms of bleeding.

If the patient is being treated with an anticoagulant, invasive procedures such as insertion of arterial and venous catheters, arterial and venous punctures, intramuscular (IM) injections, and insertion of nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters should be avoided if possible.

Using anticoagulants in elderly patients can be complex and involves considerations of benefits (prevention of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events) versus risks, i.e., bleeding, bleeding from an injury suffered from a fall, hepatic and renal impairment associated with aging and co-morbidities, and drug interactions related to polypharmacy.^15-18 The prescribing information for many anticoagulants states that advanced age is a risk factor for bleeding.

The prescribing information for many oral anticoagulants contains a US Boxed Warning: “Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including rivaroxaban, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with rivaroxaban is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.¹⁴”

Nurses must understand and use the anticoagulant administration practices particular to their practice and place of employment. These drugs require close attention to administer safely and effectively as medication errors and adverse effects are not uncommon with the use of the anticoagulants.^19-21 Reinforcing this point, The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (2016) lists anticoagulants as high-alert medications, capable of causing serious harm when they are used incorrectly,²² and The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires healthcare organizations to have a process in place to reduce the risk of anticoagulant-associated patient harm.²³

Surgery and invasive procedures are problematic for patients who are being treated with an anticoagulant. If the anticoagulant is stopped, the patient can develop thromboembolism, but continuing use to the anticoagulant puts the patient at risk for bleeding.^24,25 A reasonable approach to this issue to use a case-by-case assessment that considers the factors listed below.^24,25

1. Estimate the risk of bleeding from the procedure. For example, dental procedures are considered low risk, while coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is considered high risk.
2. Estimate the risk of thromboembolism. Is the patient taking an anticoagulant because his/her heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation? Does the patient have a mechanical prosthetic heart valve? These situations pose a high risk of thromboembolism development.
3. Determine how long the anticoagulant needs to be discontinued prior to surgery or an invasive procedure. Examples: Before surgery or an invasive procedure that poses a risk of bleeding, aspirin should be stopped 7-10 days prior; warfarin should be discontinued 5 days prior; dabigatran should be discontinued 2-3 days, and; rivaroxaban should be discontinued 2-3 days before surgery/invasive procedure.
4. Determine if an anticoagulant reversal is available if needed.
5. Assess if bridging therapy is needed. Example: If the patient is taking warfarin and will be having surgery that is high-risk for bleeding, necessitating that warfarin should be stopped, a low-molecular-weight heparin can be started 3 days before the surgery. (Bridging therapy will be discussed in more detail later in the course).
6. Determine when and how to re-start the anticoagulant. Example: Warfarin can be re-started 12-24 hours post-operatively, but since it requires 5-10 days for full anticoagulation bridging therapy should be considered.

Therapeutic errors, deliberate overdose, or changes in the patient’s health can cause elevated levels of anticoagulants and serious bleeding. If the patient on an anticoagulant has been given or has taken a supra-therapeutic dose, has taken an overdose, or if she/he has elevated coagulation studies and/or evidence of bleeding:

1. Discontinue the use of the medication.
2. In the case of a deliberate overdose, contact the local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). For a supra-therapeutic dose, elevated coagulation studies, or active bleeding, consult a hematologist.
3. Measure and monitor the appropriate laboratory studies. Standard coagulation studies are not useful in assessing the level of anticoagulation from the direct-acting anticoagulants.²⁶
4. Administer an antidote or a reversing agent, if one is available and there is a need.
   1. Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin. The need for vitamin K is determined by the INR and the presence and extent of bleeding. The American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Hematology have published guidelines for treating patients who have an elevated INR and/or bleeding caused by warfarin.^27,28
   2. Protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of heparin.²⁹
5. There is no clinically proven and approved antidote or reversal agent for the LMWHs, but protamine sulfate has been used off-label for this purpose, and it may be helpful.^30-32
6. Bleeding or an overdose of dabigatran can be treated with a specific reversal agent, idarucizumab.³³
7. Bleeding or overdose of the factor X-a inhibitors apixaban or rivaroxaban can be treated with either andexanet alfa or 4-factor PCC.^34,35
8. The use of 4-factor PCCs may be considered for treating excessive coagulation caused by betrixaban or edoxaban.³⁵
9. There are no antidotes/reversal agents for bleeding caused by the other anticoagulants discussed in this module. If the patient is bleeding or clinically unstable, use symptomatic and supportive care.

Anti-platelet drugs inhibit platelet activation and aggregation.

Mechanism of action: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and platelet activation by blocking the formation of thromboxane A₂.³⁶ Thromboxane A₂ is a signaling molecule that is synthesized in platelets. It is released when there is a vascular injury, and it initiates a complex series of actions that activate platelets and consequently platelet aggregation.

Onset of effects: Non-enteric, 1 hour. If a non-enteric tablet is chewed the onset of effect is approximately 20 minutes.³⁶

Duration of effects: Aspirin irreversibly inhibits the formation of thromboxane A₂ for the life of the platelet, approximately 10 days.³⁶

Uses:

1. Reduction of the risk of death and stroke in patients who have had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack.³⁶
2. Reduction of cardiovascular mortality in patients having an acute myocardial infarction (MI).³⁶
3. Reduction of the risk of death and non-fatal MI in patients who have had an MI or have unstable angina.³⁶
4. Reduction of the risk of MI and sudden death in patients who have chronic unstable angina.³⁶

Aside from its action as an anti-platelet drug, aspirin is commonly used as an analgesic and an antipyretic.

Dose: Aspirin dosing is complex and depends on the clinical situation.

1. Unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI): 162-325 mg non-enteric aspirin should be given to all patients who are having unstable angina or an NSTEMI, and a maintenance dose of 81-325 mg should be given indefinitely. If percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is planned, the patient should be given aspirin before the procedure: 81 to 325 mg if she/he is already taking a daily aspirin, 325 nonenteric coated if the patient is not already on aspirin therapy. In either case, the first dose of aspirin should be chewed; chewing the tablet establishes a blood level faster than if it is swallowed. After PCI, daily aspirin therapy at 81-325 mg should be continued indefinitely, 81 mg if the patient is also being treated with ticagrelor.³⁷
2. STEMI: A 162-325 mg dose of aspirin should be given before PCI and to patients who are having fibrinolytic therapy; the tablet should be chewed, not swallowed. After PCI and after fibrinolytic therapy, low-dose aspirin therapy, 50-100 mg a day, should be continued indefinitely.^6,37
3. Antiplatelet treatment for the prevention of stroke after TIA or recurrent stroke after an ischemic stroke is critically important³⁸, and it is an important part of acute stroke treatment.³⁹ For the treatment of an acute ischemic stroke or TIA, the dose is 160-300 mg 24-48 hours after onset of the stroke.³⁹ If the patient is unable to swallow, aspirin can be given through a gastrointestinal tube or rectally.³⁹ Aspirin is not recommended as an adjunctive therapy within 24 hours of administration of a fibrinolytic agent.^39,40

Adverse effects: Gastrointestinal distress, bleeding, tinnitus.

Special considerations: Use with caution in patients at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

Aspirin and surgery: The effect of aspirin on platelet activation and aggregation lasts approximately 10 days.⁴¹ Continuing aspirin during the perioperative phase may reduce the risk of post-operative thromboembolic or cardiovascular events, but it may increase the risk of intraoperative bleeding.^41-43

These concerns are significant, and the decision to continue, discontinue or initiate aspirin therapy prior to surgery should be done on a case by case basis; for some patients and for some procedures the benefits do not outweigh the risks.^42,43

Aspirin and primary prevention of cardiovascular events and stroke: A recent (2019) meta-analysis concluded that aspirin therapy does not reduce cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality, and the benefit-risk ratio does not appear to favor its use for the prevention of cardiovascular events.⁴⁴ The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association states that low-dose aspirin therapy, 75-100 mg a day, can be considered for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients aged 40-70 who have a high risk for ASCVD and a low risk for bleeding.⁴⁵ The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends aspirin therapy as a measure for preventing cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in adults aged 50 to 59 who have a 10-year risk of ASCVD >10%, who are not at risk for bleeding, who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, and who are willing to take low-dose aspirin for at least 10 years.⁴⁶ For patients outside these parameters, USPSTF recommends that aspirin therapy as a preventive measure should be considered on a case by case basis.⁴⁶

The risk of bleeding from the prophylactic use of aspirin can be significant,^44,45 and many patients who might benefit from daily aspirin therapy are those who have a higher risk for bleeding.⁴⁶

Mechanism of action: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and activity. Dipyridamole inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting the activity of adenosine deaminase.⁴⁷

Onset of effects: See the section on aspirin. Pharmacokinetic information about dipyridamole as it applies to anticoagulation is not available.

Duration: See the section on aspirin. Pharmacokinetic information about dipyridamole as it applies to anticoagulation is not available.

Uses: Reducing the risk of stroke in patients who have had a transient ischemic attack or a thrombotic stroke.⁴⁷

Dose: The brand name is Aggrenox®. Aggrenox® contains 25 mg of aspirin and 200 mg of extended-release dipyridamole; the dose is one capsule twice a day.

Adverse effects: Headache, abdominal pain and dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhea.

Special considerations: Use with caution in patients who are at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

If the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is < 10 mL/minute, avoid use.⁴⁷ Dipyridamole causes vasodilation, so use with caution if the patient is hypotensive or has coronary artery disease, or if the patient is elderly as orthostatic hypotension may occur.⁴⁷

Mechanism of action: Cilostazol increases intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase decreases platelet aggregation.⁴⁸

Onset of effects: Inhibition of platelet aggregation begins within three hours.⁴⁹ During chronic therapy, the duration of inhibition of platelet aggregation lasts approximately 96 hours.⁴⁹

Duration: With chronic administration, platelet function will return to normal in approximately 96 hours.⁴⁹

Uses: The labeled use of cilostazol is for reducing the symptoms of intermittent claudication,⁴⁹ but cilostazol has been used off-label as an option for antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic stroke in patients who have a history of non-cardioembolic stroke or TIA.⁵⁰

Note: Non-cardioembolic stroke/TIA refers to an embolic neurological injury that is not caused by atrial fibrillation. Cilostazol is also used off-label during PCI if a stent is placed to prevent stent thrombosis and restenosis after a stent has been placed.⁵⁰

Dose: Off-label, secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic stroke, 100 mg twice a day.

Adverse effects: Headache, abnormal stools, and diarrhea, infection.^48,49

Special considerations: Cilostazol is contraindicated with patients with heart failure of any level of severity (US Boxed Warning).^48,49

Mechanism of action: Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the activity of P2Y₁₂.⁵¹ P2Y₁₂ is a protein on the surface of platelets, and normal functioning of P2Y₁₂ is required for activating platelets and subsequently, platelet aggregation.

Onset of effects: Inhibition of platelet aggregation begins within 2 hours of administration of a loading dose.⁵¹

Duration of effects: Approximately 3-10 days.^51,52

Uses:

1. Clopidogrel is used with aspirin to reduce the risk of death, re-infarction, and stroke in patients who are having a STEMI.⁵¹
2. Clopidogrel is used with aspirin to reduce the risk for MI and stroke in patients who are having a non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, i.e., unstable angina or NSTEMI.⁵¹
3. Clopidogrel is used to reduce the rate of MI and stroke in patients who have recently had an MI or a stroke and who have peripheral atherosclerotic disease.⁵¹

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends 75 mg a day of clopidogrel for the secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic stroke in patients who have had a non-cardioembolic stroke or TIA.⁵⁰

Dose:

1. All patients who are treated with a fibrinolytic should be given clopidogrel. For patients < 75 years of age, the loading dose is 300 mg given as soon as possible; for patients > age 75, the loading dose is 75 mg. In either case, antiplatelet therapy should be continued for ≥ 12 months.⁵¹
2. For patients undergoing PCI, the dose of clopidogrel depends on when fibrinolysis was done. If fibrinolysis and a loading dose of clopidogrel were given together, simply treat the patient with daily antiplatelet therapy, and the dose of clopidogrel is 75 mg a day for ≥ 12 months.⁵¹
   1. If fibrinolysis was done ≤ 24 hours prior and no loading dose of clopidogrel was given, give 300 mg prior to PCI and 75 mg once a day after PCI.
   2. If fibrinolysis was done > 24 hours ago and a loading dose was not given, give 600 mg of clopidogrel before PCI and 75 mg once a day after PCI.⁵¹
3. For patients who are having a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and being treated with medical management, the loading dose is 300 to 600 mg followed by 75 mg a day for ≥ 12 months.⁵¹ (Note: The rationale for continuing aspirin and clopidogrel (and other P2Y₁₂ Inhibitors) for at least a year will be discussed in the section of the module titled Dual Antiplatelet Therapy).
4. For patients who are having a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and being treated with fibrinolysis and PCI, give a loading dose of 600 mg immediately after PCI and then 75 mg a day for ≥ 12 months.⁵¹

In all cases, clopidogrel should be given with aspirin and a parenteral anticoagulant⁵¹, and after the acute phase, all patients should be given clopidogrel and aspirin for ≥ 12 months.⁵¹

Two other antiplatelet drugs, prasugrel, and ticagrelor may be used instead of clopidogrel during the acute phase or shortly after the acute phase of STEMI and NSTEMI; these drugs will be discussed later in the module.

Clopidogrel and aspirin, started within 24 hours and given for 21 days to patients who have had a minor ischemic stroke or a TIA, has been shown to reduce the risk for subsequent stroke for 90 days.^39,52

Adverse effects: Bleeding.

Special considerations: Clopidogrel is a pro-drug, and the active metabolite is produced by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, principally by the activity of CYP2C19.^51,53 Patients who have decreased activity of CYP2C19 will not form a sufficient amount of active metabolite, and platelet aggregation will be decreased.⁵⁴ (See the section below, Clopidogrel resistance) Poor metabolizers who also have an acute coronary syndrome or who are undergoing PCI and are being treated with clopidogrel at recommended doses exhibit higher cardiovascular event rates than patients who have normal CYP2C19 function (US Boxed Warning).⁵¹

Clopidogrel and prasugrel are both antiplatelet drugs, they are classified as thienopyrdines, and they are structurally similar. Cross-reactivity between the two drugs has been reported, and patients sensitive to or allergic to clopidogrel may be sensitive to or allergic to prasugrel.⁵¹

Clopidogrel resistance: A significant number of patients who are given clopidogrel do not achieve the desired anti-platelet effect, a phenomenon syndrome called clopidogrel resistance, non-responsiveness, or high platelet reactivity.^53,55 The frequency of clopidogrel resistance has been estimated to be approximately 30%,^53,55 and clopidogrel resistance increases patients’ risk for major adverse cardiac events after PCI.⁵⁵

Genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2C19 enzyme that metabolizes clopidogrel are in part responsible for clopidogrel resistance;^53,55 other, contributing factors include (but are not limited to) age > 65, body mass index > 25, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, kidney disease, poor patient compliance with the drug regimen, previous treatment with aspirin, and smoking.^53,56

There is evidence that genetic testing-guided treatment may help reduce the consequences of clopidogrel resistance,⁵⁵ but this approach is not universally recommended⁵⁷ and some clinicians simply increase the dose of clopidogrel or use another P2Y₁₂ receptor blocker.⁵⁷

Mechanism of action: Prasugrel inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the activity of P2Y₁₂.⁵⁸ P2Y₁₂ is a protein on the surface of platelets, and normal functioning of P2Y₁₂ is required for activating platelets and subsequently platelet aggregation.

Onset of effects: Platelet inhibition begins < 30 minutes after a loading dose.⁵⁸

Duration: Normal platelet function returns with 5-9 days after discontinuation of use.⁵⁸

Uses: Reducing the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events, including stent thrombosis, in patients who have an acute coronary syndrome that will be managed with PCI; unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI.⁵⁸

Dose: A loading dose of 60 mg (along with a dose of aspirin) given as early as possible and no later than one hour after PCI is performed. This should be followed by 10 mg once a day for a year, along with a daily dose of aspirin.^58,59 For patients who weigh less than 60 kg, a lower daily maintenance dose, 5 mg, can be used.⁵⁸

Prasugrel should not be given to patients who have a STEMI and have a history of stroke or TIA.⁵⁹ Prasugrel, in a 60-mg loading dose, is reasonable once the coronary anatomy is known in patients who did not receive a previous loading dose of clopidogrel at the time of administration of a fibrinolytic agent, but prasugrel should not be given sooner than 24 hours after administration of a fibrin-specific agent or 48 hours after administration of a non-fibrin-specific agent.⁵⁹

Adverse effects: None listed as > 10%.⁵⁹

Special considerations: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been reported in association with the use of prasugrel.⁵⁸

US Boxed Warning applies to points 1-4.

1. Do not start therapy with prasugrel in patients who may need urgent CABG surgery.⁵⁸
2. When possible, discontinue prasugrel ≥7 days prior to any surgery.⁵⁸
3. In patients ≥75 years of age, prasugrel is generally not recommended due to increased risk of fatal and intracranial bleeding and uncertain benefit; use may be considered in high-risk situations.⁵⁸
4. Prasugrel can cause significant and life-threatening bleeding.⁵⁸ Prasugrel should not be given to patients who have active bleeding, who have had a stroke or TIA, who have risk factors for bleeding, or who are taking medications that may cause, or increase the bleeding.⁵⁸ Bleeding should be suspected in a patient who has been given prasugrel and is hypotensive and who has recently undergone coronary angiography, PCI, CABG, or other surgical procedures in the setting of prasugrel.⁵⁸ In this situation, prasugrel therapy should be continued if possible because discontinuing use, particularly in the first few weeks after an acute coronary syndrome, increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.^58,59

The frequency of non-responsiveness/high platelet reactivity with chronic use of prasugrel has been estimated to 3-15%.⁵²

Use with caution in patients who have hepatic and/or renal impairment and patients > age 75; these patients may be at increased risk for bleeding.^58,60

Mechanism of action: Ticagrelor inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the activity of P2Y₁₂.61 P2Y₁₂ is a protein on the surface of platelets, and normal functioning of P2Y₁₂ is required for activating platelets, and subsequent platelet aggregation.

Onset of effects: After a loading dose, the onset of platelet inhibition is noticeable after 30 minutes and is almost complete after 2 hours.⁶¹

Duration of action: Twenty four hours after the maintenance dose is discontinued, platelet inhibition is at approximately 58%.⁶¹

Uses:

1. Reducing the rate of cardiovascular death, MI, and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome or a history of MI.⁶¹
2. Ticagrelor also reduces the rate of stent thrombosis in patients who have acute coronary syndrome and had a stent placed.⁶¹

Dose: For patients having a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome or STEMI, use a loading dose of 180 mg (along with a dose of aspirin) and follow this with a 90 mg daily maintenance dose (along with low-dose aspirin) 12 hours after the loading dose.⁶¹ The maintenance dose should be continued for a least 12 months; after 12 months reduce the dose to 60 mg.⁶¹

Adverse effects: Dyspnea.⁶¹

Special considerations: As with clopidogrel, non-responsiveness/high platelet reactivity can occur with ticagrelor.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been reported in association with the use of ticagrelor.⁶¹

Brady-arrhythmias and ventricular pauses occurring during use of ticagrelor have been reported,⁶¹ and ticagrelor should be used cautiously in patients who have a second or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, bradycardia-related syncope if the patient does not have a pacemaker, or if the patient is taking a drug that can cause bradycardia.⁶¹

US Boxed Warning applies to points 1-5:

1. Maintenance doses of aspirin > 100 mg reduce the effectiveness of ticagrelor.
2. Ticagrelor can cause significant, life-threatening bleeding.
3. The use of ticagrelor is contraindicated in patients who have active bleeding and in patients who have a history of intracranial hemorrhage.
4. Ticagrelor should not be given to patients who may need urgent CABG surgery or will be having CABG.⁶¹
5. Bleeding should be suspected in a patient who has been given ticagrelor and is hypotensive and who has recently undergone coronary angiography, PCI, CABG, or other surgical procedures in the setting of prasugrel.61In this situation, ticagrelor therapy should be continued if possible because discontinuing use, increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.⁶¹

Mechanism of action: Vorapaxar inhibits platelet aggregation by antagonizing protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1).⁶²

Onset of effects: ≥ 80% inhibition of platelet aggregation after one week of therapy.⁶²

Duration of effects: The decrease of platelet aggregation will be at 50% at 4 weeks after discontinuation of the drug.⁶²

Uses: Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, or the need for urgent coronary revascularization in patients who have a history of MI or peripheral arterial disease and who do not have a history of stroke or TIA.⁶²

When vorapaxar is added to standard care, studies have shown a significant reduction of the risk of cardiovascular death, MI, recurrent ischemia, and stroke.^63-65 However, the use of the vorapaxar in this patient population also significantly increased the risk of moderate to several bleeding, especially intracranial hemorrhage.^63-65

Dose: 2.08 PO mg once a day, used in combination with aspirin or clopidogrel. Vorapaxar should not be used as monotherapy, and there is no clinical experience using vorapaxar with antiplatelet drugs other than aspirin or clopidogrel.⁶²

Adverse effects: Bleeding.⁶²

Special considerations: Do not use vorapaxar in patients with a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, intracranial hemorrhage, or active pathological bleeding (US Boxed Warning).⁶²

Use with caution in patients who have hepatic and/or renal impairment.⁶²

Mechanism of action: Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein IIB/IIIa receptor antagonist, and binding of the drug to the receptor reversibly prevents platelet aggregation.⁸²

Onset: With an IV bolus the onset of action is immediate, and within 5 minutes there is a > 80% inhibition of platelet aggregation.⁸²

Duration: After stopping an IV infusion, platelet function fully restored within 4 to 8 hours.⁸²

Uses:

1. Treatment of patients who are having a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (Unstable angina or NSTEMI) and are being treated medically or with PCI.
2. Treatment of patients who are having PCI with or without a stent placement.⁸²

Dose:

1. Unstable angina/NSTEMI: Eptifibatide is not routinely used for patients who are having unstable angina or an NSTEMI. These patients are typically treated with aspirin and a PY2₁₂ inhibitor and an IV anticoagulant. However, eptifibatide or another glycoprotein IIB/IIIa receptor antagonist can be used for these patients if PCI is planned and the patient is at high-risk for complications; if the patient has a significant thrombus burden; if the time between administration of the PY2₁₂ inhibitor was < 40-45 minutes, or; if prasugrel or ticagrelor was not the PY2₁₂ inhibitor.⁸²
   1. Begin treatment before diagnostic coronary angiography has been done. Give an IV bolus of 180 mcg/kg (Maximum dose 22.6 mg) followed by a continuous IV infusion of 2 mcg/kg/minute (Maximum dose 15 mg/hour). Give a second IV bolus 10 minutes after the first, and the infusion may be continued for up to 18-24 hours after PCI.⁸²
2. PCI: Begin treatment before PCI has been done. Give an IV bolus of 180 mcg/kg (Maximum dose 22.6 mg) followed by a continuous IV infusion of 2 mcg/kg/minute (Maximum dose 15 mg/hour). Give a second IV bolus 10 minutes after the first, and the infusion may be continued for up to 2-24 hours after PCI.⁸²

Adverse effects: Hemorrhage. Risk factors for bleeding include concomitant use of drugs that can cause bleeding, a history of bleeding disorders, older age, and weight < 70 kg.⁸²

Special considerations: Use with caution if the patient has impaired renal function.

Acute and significant thrombocytopenia can occur within 24 hours of use.⁸² Use with extreme caution if the patient’s platelet count is <100,000/mm3, and if the platelet count falls to< 100,000/mm3, discontinue use of the drug.⁸² (Note: Thrombocytopenia and the glycoprotein IIB/IIIa receptor antagonists will be discussed later in this section).

Mechanism of action: Tirofiban is a glycoprotein IIB/IIIa receptor antagonist, and binding of the drug to the receptor reversibly prevents platelet aggregation.⁸³

Onset: > 90% platelet inhibition occurs within 10 minutes.⁸³

Duration: Approximately 90% return to normal platelet aggregation 4 to 8 hours after an infusion has been stopped.⁸³

Uses: Tirofiban is approved for decreasing the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events, death, MI, and refractory ischemia/repeat cardiac procedure in patients who are having unstable angina or an NSTEMI.⁸³

Dose: Loading dose, 25 mcg/kg administered over 5 minutes or less. Maintenance infusion, 0.15 mcg/kg/minute continued for up to 18 hours.⁸³

Renal impairment: If the CrCl is ≤60 mL/minute, the IV loading dose should still be 25 mcg/kg administered over ≤5 minutes, but the maintenance infusion dose should be 0.075 mcg/kg/minute continued for up to 18 hours.

Adverse effects: Bleeding.⁸³

Special considerations: Use with caution and reduce the dose in patients who have renal impairment.⁸³

Use with extreme caution if the patient has a history of gastrointestinal disease, has a history of hemorrhagic retinopathy, is taking other drugs that affect clotting ability, or has a platelet count < 150,000/mm3.⁸³

Tirofiban can cause significant thrombocytopenia. If the patient’s platelet count decreases to <90,000 mm3 and if it is confirmed that the patient does not have pseudo-thrombocytopenia, discontinue use of the drug and of heparin, if heparin is being used.⁸³

Mechanism of action: Cangrelor is a direct-acting PY2₁₂ platelet receptor inhibitor that prevents platelet activation and aggregation.⁸⁴

Onset: Platelet inhibition begins within 2 minutes.⁸⁴

Duration: After the IV infusion has been stopped, platelet function returns to normal within 1 hour.⁸⁴

Uses: Cangrelor is approved for use as an adjunct during PCI to reduce the risk of periprocedural MI, reduce the need for repeat coronary revascularization, and minimize the risk of stent thrombosis.⁸⁴ Cangrelor is intended to be used for patients who have not been treated with a P2Y₁₂ platelet inhibitor and are not being given a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.⁸⁴

Dose: An IV bolus of 30 mcg/kg before PCI, followed immediately by a continuous IV infusion of 4 mcg/kg/minute for at least 2 hours or for the duration of the PCI, whichever is longest.⁸⁴

Adverse effects: Hemorrhage.⁸⁴

Special considerations: If clopidogrel or prasugrel are administered before the cangrelor infusion is discontinued, no antiplatelet effect will occur until the next dose is administered. Do not administer clopidogrel or prasugrel until after the cangrelor infusion is discontinued.⁸⁴

The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were once widely used as antiplatelet therapy before PCI.⁸⁵ However, the evidence for their effectiveness was done before aspirin/PY2₁₂ therapy was in common use, before the stronger PY2₁₂ inhibitors prasugrel and ticagrelor were available, and the research results for the effectiveness of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in this situation was more convincing for abciximab - which is no longer available in the United States - than for eptifibatide and tirofiban.^72,76 Eptifibatide and tirofiban have been used as a routine adjunct to dual antiplatelet therapy for patients undergoing PIC.⁸⁶ But the research has shown that using these drugs with dual antiplatelet therapy does not provide an additional benefit,^{72, 84} and it causes an increased rate of bleeding.^86,87 The current recommendations for using eptifibatide and tirofiban are in these circumstance^{37,59,73,77,84-86}:

1. High risk for stent thrombus.
2. High thrombus burden.
3. Intraprocedural bail-out because of a coronary artery dissection, distal embolus, or hemodynamic instability.
4. The patient has not been given prasugrel or ticagrelor, or the time between administration of a PY2₁₂ inhibitor has been < 30-45 minutes.
5. No reflow or slow reflow.
6. Ongoing ischemia.

Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia occurs in up to 1% of patients receiving eptifibatide⁸⁸ and 0.1-1.9% of patients receiving tirofiban;^89,90 severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 20,000 mm3) is unusual, occurring in approximately 0.2% to 1% of all cases.^88,91 Thrombocytopenia can occur after the first dose of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor or after previous exposure,⁸⁸ and recovery is usually within several days.^89,90

The mechanism of action that causes this adverse effect is not known or understood: possible explanations are a direct drug effect on the platelets, activation of existing antiplatelet antibodies that were formed after a previous use of the drug, or stimulation of the production of new antiplatelet antibodies.^88,91

Treatment involves discontinuing the use of the drug and ruling out other causes like heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, pseudo-thrombocytopenia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura caused by clopidogrel or prasugrel.

Cangrelor: Transitioning from the infusion to a PY2₁₂ inhibitor.

Cangrelor is used as an adjunct during PCI to reduce the risk of periprocedural MI, decrease the need for repeat coronary revascularization, decrease the risk of stent thrombosis, in patients who have not been treated with a P2Y₁₂ platelet inhibitor and are not being given a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.⁸³

These patients will be on long-term treatment with a PY2₁₂ receptor inhibitor, and the prescribing information has recommendations for when, in relation to the cangrelor infusion, therapy with these drugs should be started.⁸³ These recommendations are listed below:

• Give 600 mg of clopidogrel immediately after the cangrelor infusion has been stopped. Do not give clopidogrel before the infusion has been stopped.⁸³
• Give 60 mg of prasugrel immediately after the cangrelor infusion has been stopped. Do not give prasugrel before the infusion has been stopped.⁸³
• Give 180 mg of ticagrelor at any time during the cangrelor infusion or immediately after the infusion has been stopped.⁸³

There are several reasons why this approach is used. After a cangrelor infusion has been stopped, platelet function is restored to normal within 1 hour and these patients need platelet aggregation inhibition.⁹² Cangrelor blocks the active metabolite of clopidogrel and prasugrel from binding to the P2Y₁₂ receptor.⁹² These active metabolites remain in the blood for a short period of time after the drugs are given, so concurrent administration of cangrelor and clopidogrel or prasugrel will decrease their effectiveness.⁹² Ticagrelor is a direct-acting P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist, so cangrelor and ticagrelor can be given at the same time.⁹²

Mechanism of action: Direct inhibition of factor Xa.¹⁴⁰

Onset of action: 3-4 hours.¹⁴⁰

Duration of action: The half-life is approximately12 hours.¹⁴⁰

Uses:

1. Prevention of DVT and PE.
2. Treatment of DVT and PE.
3. Reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolization in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
4. Prophylaxis for the prevention of postoperative DVT in patients who have had hip or knee replacement.
5. Treatment of PE and to reduce the risk of recurrent PE after initial treatment.¹⁴⁰

Dose:

1. DVT and PE, 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice a day.¹⁴¹
2. Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, 5 mg twice a day. If the patient is ≥ 80 years of age, weighs ≤ 60 kg, or has a serum creatinine of ≥ 1.5 mg/dL, decrease the dose to 2.5 mg twice a day.¹⁴⁰
3. Post-operative patients, 2.5 mg twice daily. Start therapy 12-24 hours after surgery. The optimum duration of therapy is not known, but the usual course is a minimum of 10-14 days. ¹⁴⁰

Hepatic impairment: Moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class B) use with caution. Severe impairment, (Child-Pugh class C), the use of apixaban is contraindicated.¹⁴⁰

Renal impairment: The prescribing information does not have recommendations for dosing adjustments in patients who have renal impairment. However, patients who had a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL or CrCl <25 mL/minute were not included in clinical trials of apixaban. Approximately 27% of the parent drug is renally excreted, and exposure to apixaban is increased as real function declines.¹⁴⁰

Adverse effects: Bleeding.

Special considerations: Bariatric surgery may decrease the absorption of apixiban.¹⁴⁰

Apixaban is not recommended for patients with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome.¹⁴⁰

Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including apixaban, without providing alternative anticoagulation, increases the risk of thrombotic events.¹⁴⁰ (US Boxed Warning).

Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with apixaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. The risk of these events may be increased using in-dwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting hemostasis. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures.¹⁴⁰(US Boxed Warning).

Mechanism of action: Direct inhibition of factor Xa.¹⁴¹

Onset: 2 to 3 hours.¹⁴¹

Duration of action: ≥ 72 hours.¹⁴¹

Uses: Preventing VTE in adults who are hospitalized for an acute medical illness and who are at risk for a thromboembolic complication due to moderate or severe activity restriction or other risk factors.¹⁴¹

Dose: 160 mg once a day for one dose, followed by 80 mg a day for 35-42 days.¹⁴¹

Hepatic impairment: Avoid use in patients who have moderate to severe hepatic impairment.¹⁴¹

Renal impairment: CrCl > 30 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed. If the CrCl is ≥15 to <30 mL/minute, begin with 80 mg on the first day and follow that with 40 mg once a day for 35-42 days.¹⁴¹

Adverse effects: Bleeding, gastrointestinal complaints, e.g., constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.¹⁴¹

Special considerations: Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with betrixaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. The risk of these events may be increased using in-dwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting hemostasis. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures (US Boxed Warning).¹⁴¹

Drug concentrations betrixaban can increase as a patient’s renal function worsens, and this can increase the risk of bleeding.¹⁴¹ If the CrCl is 15-29 mL/minute, the dose of betrixaban should be reduced, and the drug should be used with caution.¹⁴¹

The starting and maintenance dose should be reduced by 50% if the patient is taking a p-glycoprotein inhibitor like amiodarone, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, and verapamil.¹⁴¹

Mechanism of action: Direct inhibition of factor Xa.¹³

Onset of effects: 1-2 hours.¹³

Duration of action: The half-life is 10-14 hours.¹³

Uses:

1. Treatment of DVT and PE after 5-10 days of initial therapy with a parenteral anticoagulant.
2. Reduction of the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.¹³

Dose: 60 mg once daily.¹³ See the Special considerations section for more dosing information.

Hepatic impairment: Moderate to severe impairment, Child-Pugh Class B or C, use is not recommended.¹³

Renal impairment: Patients with DVT or PE, CrCl > 51 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed.

• CrCl 15-50 mL/minute, the dose should be 30 mg a day.
• CrCl< 15 mL/minute, use is not recommended.¹³
• Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, CrCl > 95 mL/minute, use not recommended. CrCl 51-95 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed. CrCl 15-50 mL/minute, use 30 mg a day. CrCl < 15 mL/minute, use not recommended.¹³

Adverse effects: Bleeding.¹³

Special considerations: Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with edoxaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture (US Boxed Warning).¹³

Edoxaban should not be used in patients who are being treated for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and have a creatinine clearance (CrCl) >95 mL/minute. In the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 study, patients who had nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a CrCl >95 mL/minute, and were given edoxaban 60 mg once a day had an increased rate of ischemic stroke compared to patients treated with warfarin.¹³ In these patients another anticoagulant should be used (US Boxed Warning).¹³

Mechanism of action: Direction inhibition of factor Xa.¹⁴

Onset of action: 2-4 hours.¹⁴

Duration of effects: The half-life is 5-9 hours.¹⁴

Uses:

1. Treatment of DVT and PE.
2. Reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolic events in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
3. Post-operative prophylaxis of DVT in patients who have had hip or knee replacement.¹⁴

Dose:

1. Treatment of DVT and PE, 15 mg twice a day for 21 days followed by 20 mg once a day, taken with food.¹⁴
2. For patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, the dose is 20 mg a day, taken with the evening meal.¹⁴
3. Post-operative patients, hip surgery and knee surgery, 10 mg given at least 6-10 hours after surgery or when hemostasis has been attained, followed by 10 mg a day for at least 10-14 days and possibly up to 35 days. The optimum duration of treatment is not known; post-operative patients, knee surgery, 10 mg a day for 12-14 days.¹⁴

Hepatic impairment: Moderate to severe impairment, Child-Pugh Class B or C, use is not recommended.¹⁴

Renal impairment: DVT and PE: CrCl ≥ 30 mL/minute, no dosage adjustment is needed. CrCl< 30 mL/minute, use should be avoided.¹⁴

Renal impairment, non-valvular atrial fibrillation: CrCl > 50 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed. CrCl 15-50 mL/minute, the dose should be 15 mg a day, taken with food. If the patient develops renal failure, stop the use of the drug.¹⁴

The prescribing information for Xarelto® does not have a specific dosing recommendation for patients who have a CrCl < 15 mL/minute, but it does mention that a daily dose of 15 mg in patients whose CrCl is < 15 mL/minute should produce a serum concentration similar to patients who have only moderate renal impairment.¹⁴²

Renal impairment, prophylaxis after hip and knee surgery: CrCl > 50 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed. CrCl 30-50 mL/minute, no dosing adjustment is needed, but the drug should be used with caution, and use should be stopped if the patient develops renal failure. If the CrCl is < 30, avoid use.¹⁴

Adverse effects: Bleeding. The risk of bleeding is especially high for patients who have DVT or a PE.

Special considerations: Epidural or spinal hematomas have occurred in patients treated with rivaroxaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture (US Boxed Warning).¹⁴

Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including rivaroxaban, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with rivaroxaban is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant (US Boxed Warning).¹⁴

Mechanism of action: Warfarin interrupts the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, and proteins C and S. Synthesis and activation of these clotting factors and proteins requires the reduced form of vitamin K, and reduced vitamin K is produced by the activity of the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1).

Warfarin:

1. inhibits the activity of VKORC1, deleting vitamin K stores
2. prevents hepatic synthesis of the clotting factors and proteins
3. reduces the activity of circulating clotting factors and proteins.⁹³

Warfarin is often referred to as a vitamin K antagonist, but warfarin does not actually antagonize vitamin K.

At therapeutic doses, warfarin decreases the functional amount of each vitamin K–dependent coagulation factor by 30%–70%. Warfarin has no effect on the activity of fully γ-carboxylated factors already in the circulation, and these must be cleared before it can produce an anticoagulant effect.

Warfarin does not dissolve an existing thrombus; It prevents new thrombi from forming and prevents the extension of an existing thrombus.⁹³

Onset of effects: A measurable effect of warfarin, reflected by an increase in INR, can be seen within 24-72 hours.⁹³ However, the half-life of some of the clotting factors is quite long, e.g., 60-72 hours for factor II, so complete anti-coagulation and full therapeutic effect requires 5-7 days of warfarin therapy.⁹³

Duration of effects: Two to 5 days. Warfarin is given orally once a day. IV warfarin is no longer produced.

Uses:

1. Prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders and embolic complications caused by atrial fibrillation or cardiac valve replacement.⁹³
2. After an MI, as an adjunct to reduce the risk of systemic embolism that may cause another MI or a stroke.⁹³

Warfarin is also used off-label for preventing TIAs in patients who have atrial fibrillation, rheumatic mitral valve disease, or a mechanical prosthetic heart valve.

Dose: Warfarin dosing is a balance between:

1. Attaining a level of anticoagulation that will prevent thrombus formation and embolic events
2. Maximizing the amount of time when the patient is in the therapeutic range in order to minimize the amount of time the patient is at risk for thrombus formation and embolic events
3. Avoiding a level of anticoagulation that puts the patient at risk for bleeding

Before starting treatment with warfarin, a CBC, INR, aPTT, PT, serum creatinine, and liver function tests should be measured.⁹⁴ (Note: The effect of hepatic and renal function on warfarin will be discussed later in this section)

The usual dose of warfarin is 2-5 mg a day during the initiation phase of 2-4 days, followed by 1-10 mg a day during the maintenance phase. The maintenance dose is determined by the INR results,⁸ and lower and higher starting and maintenance doses are used.⁹⁴

Warfarin dosing and INR monitoring are very individualized. An effective and safe dose depends on many factors, including age, bleeding history, co-morbidities, diet, drug interactions, genetic variability that affects the patient’s response to the drug, and the INR results.^8,93,94 When and how often to measure the INR and what the INR should be will differ from patient to patient, as well.⁹⁴ Dosing algorithms are available, and they can be effective for starting and maintaining warfarin therapy and maximizing the time the patient is within the therapeutic range.^94,95

A typical approach is to measure the INR after the second day of taking warfarin and to decrease/increase the dose after that as needed.⁹⁴ In most cases, an INR of 2-3 is the goal, but for some patients, a higher INR is desired.⁹⁴

Adverse effects: Bleeding is the most common adverse effect. The risk for major bleeding, i.e., gastrointestinal, intracranial, and spinal, has been estimated to be from 0-2% a year.^96,97 Factors that increase the risk of bleeding from warfarin are listed below. ^96-98 Several of these will be discussed in detail in the clinical Issues section.

• Advanced age
• Alcohol abuse, substance abuse
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Diet
• Genetic differences in warfarin metabolism
• Hepatic impairment
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Labile INR
• Medications that affect coagulation
• Prior bleeding events
• Stroke or TIA

Heparin is a naturally occurring molecule, but commercially produced heparin is derived from the intestinal mucosal tissues of pigs and cattle.

Heparin does not break down emboli and thrombi, but it prevents their extension and prevents new ones from forming.

Heparin is often referred to as unfractionated heparin to distinguish it from the low-molecular weight heparins. The term unfractionated means that heparin has not been broken down - fractionated - to separate out the low molecular weight particles. In this module, the term heparin will be used instead of unfractionated heparin.

Mechanism of action: Heparin inactivates thrombin and also the clotting factors IXa, Xa, XIa, and XIIa, and it prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.¹⁵⁶

Onset: IV, immediate. Subcutaneously, 20-30 minutes.¹⁵⁶

Duration: Half-life in 1 to 2 hours.¹⁵⁶

Labeled uses:

1. Prophylaxis against and treatment for thromboembolic disorders.¹⁵⁶
2. Prophylaxis against and treatment for thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation.¹⁵⁶
3. Prevention of clotting during arterial and cardiac surgery.¹⁵⁶
4. An anticoagulant during extracorporeal circulation and hemodialysis.¹⁵⁶

Dose: Doses to prevent clotting during arterial and cardiac surgery, extracorporeal circulation, and hemodialysis will not be covered.

1. Prophylaxis/treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Intermittent SC injections of heparin (or LMWH) is the preferred approach for prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders.¹⁵⁷ A continuous IV infusion of heparin can be used if the patient cannot be treated on an out-patient basis or if the patient has severe renal impairment and cannot be given an LMWH.¹⁵⁸
   1. Medical patients: 5000 units given SC every 8-12 hours. Continue use until the patient is fully ambulatory or for the duration of the hospitalization.¹⁵⁶
   2. Non-orthopedic surgery, patients who have cancer: 5000 units SC given 2 to 4 hours prior to the procedure, then 5000 units SC every 8 hours. The alternative is 5000 units SC given every 8-12 hours, beginning 24 hours after the procedure. The optimal duration for prophylactic use is not known, but it is usually continued for a minimum of 7-10 days and treatment for up to 4 weeks may be done for patients who have had major abdominal surgery or pelvic surgery.¹⁵⁶
   3. Non-orthopedic surgery, patients who do not have cancer: 5000 units SC, given every 8-12 hours. The first dose should be given ≥2 hours before the procedure. The initiation of therapy may also be delayed until after the operation if the patient has a high risk for bleeding. The duration of therapy should be until the patient is fully ambulatory, or the risk of VTE has diminished.¹⁵⁶
   4. Orthopedic surgery: 5000 units given SC every 8-12 hours; the first dose should be given ≥ 12 hours preoperatively or ≥ postoperatively, once hemostasis has been attained. The optimal duration of treatment is not known, but it is usually continued for a minimum of 10-14 days and occasionally for as long as 35 days.¹⁵⁶
   5. Pregnancy: The dosing recommendations for using heparin during pregnancy are based on the bleeding risk, the risk for complications, the trimester, and there are separate prophylactic and therapeutic dosing recommendations. Readers should refer to prescribing information for the details.
2. Prophylaxis against and treatment for thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation: A bolus dose of 60-80 units/kg given IV, maximum dose of 5000 units. This should be followed by a continuous IV infusion of 12-18 units/kg/hour, a maximum dose of 1000 units/hour. The infusion rate should be adjusted so that the desired level of anticoagulation is maintained.
   1. This is a labeled use for heparin, but the 2019 guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American Rhythm Society do not mention using heparin for prophylaxis against and treatment for thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation.¹⁵⁹

Hepatic impairment: No dosing adjustment needed.¹⁵⁶

Renal impairment: No dosing adjustment needed.¹⁵⁶

Adverse effects: Thrombocytopenia (Discussed in detail in the Heparin: Clinical Issues section).

Special considerations: Heparin is contraindicated in patients who have severe thrombocytopenia, a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a history of HIT with thrombosis (HITT), or active, uncontrolled bleeding.¹⁵⁶

The low molecular weight heparins are fragments of heparin that have been separated from the heparin molecule, and the LMWHs have approximately one-third the weight of heparin. The LMWHs and heparin are used for many of the same clinical conditions, but there are important differences between the two drugs. These differences are listed below; some will be discussed in more detail later in this section.

Bioavailability: The LMWHs bind to thrombin much more avidly than heparin, and they bind less avidly to endothelial cells, heparin-binding plasma proteins, and macrophages than unfractionated heparin.¹⁷¹ This increases the bioavailability of the LMWHs compared to heparin (90% and 30%, respectively⁸) and this has three important clinical effects:

1. A more predictable anticoagulant effect at a given dose than with heparin
2. Much less risk of heparin resistance
3. Because the anticoagulant response is very predictable, laboratory monitoring is not needed¹⁷⁷

Half-life: The half-life of the LMWHs is at least half again longer than heparin, so LMWHs can be dosed intermittently, once or twice a day.¹⁶⁰ This is more convenient, and it also allows for patients to self-administer an LMWH at home or for LMWHs to be administered in an out-patient clinic. The longer half-life, however, can be problematic if the anticoagulant effect of an LMWH becomes excessive.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: HIT occurs much less frequently with the LMWHs than with heparin.

Onset of action: The onset of action of the LMWHs is much slower than that of heparin.

Osteoporosis: Lower incidence of osteoporosis with LMWHs than with heparin.¹⁶⁰

Renal clearance: Heparin is not eliminated by the kidneys, but renal clearance is the primary route of excretion of the LMWHs.

Reversal: The anticoagulant effects of heparin can be quickly reversed with protamine sulfate. Protamine sulfate only partially reverses the anticoagulant effects of the LMWHs and its effectiveness for this purpose is unpredictable.¹⁷⁸

Mechanism of action: Argatroban is a direct, reversible thrombin inhibitor that prevents the activation of the clotting factors V, VIII, and XIII, activation of protein C, and platelet aggregation.¹⁹³

Onset: The onset of action is immediate.¹⁹³

Duration: The half-life is 39-51 minutes. In patients who have hepatic impairment, the half-life is 181 minutes.¹⁹³

Uses:

1. Prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in adults who have HIT.¹⁹³
2. As an anticoagulant for adults who are undergoing PCI and who have HIT or who are at risk of developing HIT.¹⁹³

Dose:

1. For the treatment of HIT, the dose is 2 mcg/kg/minute. The aPTT should be measured 2 hours after therapy has begun, and the dose should be adjusted (not to exceed 10 mcg/kg/minute) for an aPTT of 1.5-3 times the baseline level, not to exceed 100 seconds.¹⁹³
2. For adults who are undergoing PCI and have or who are at risk for developing HIT, the dose is 25 mcg/kg/minute along with a bolus dose of 350 mcg/kg delivered over 3-5 minutes. The ACT should be measured 5-10 minutes after the bolus dose is given, and the PCI can proceed if the ACT is > 300 seconds.¹⁸⁹

An additional 150 mcg/kg bolus dose should be given, and the infusion rate should be increased to 30 mcg/kg/minute if the ACT is < 300 seconds. Re-check the ACT in 5-10 minutes.¹⁹³

If the ACT is > 450 seconds, decrease the infusion rate to 15 mcg/kg/minute and re-check the ACT in 5-10 minutes.¹⁹³

When the ACT is between 300-450 seconds, the infusion should be continued for the duration of the PCI procedure. If post-PCI anticoagulation is needed, continue the infusion at a reduced dose of 2 mcg/kg/minute.¹⁹³

Hepatic impairment: Argatroban is metabolized by the liver. For patients who have moderate to severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh class B and C, respectively, the dose should be reduced to 0.5 mcg/kg/minute, the aPTT should be closely monitored, and the dose adjusted as needed.^193,194

Adverse effects: Chest pain, genitourinary tract bleeding, hypotension.¹⁹³

Special Considerations: Use cautiously if the patient is critically ill or if the patient has heart failure, multiple organ system dysfunction, severe anasarca, or has recently had cardiac surgery.^189,190 In these situations, accumulation of the drug and bleeding may occur, and a reduced dose and close monitoring are recommended.^{193, 194}

Mechanism of action: Direct thrombin inhibitor.¹⁹⁵

Onset of effects: Immediate.¹⁹⁵

Duration of effects: Coagulation times return to normal in approximately 1 hour after the infusion has been discontinued.¹⁹⁵

Uses: Bivalirudin is indicated for use as an anticoagulant in patients.¹⁹⁶

1. Who have unstable angina and are undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PCTA)
2. Who are undergoing PIC with provisional use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor
3. Who have or who are at risk for HIT and HIT/thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) and are undergoing PCI

Dose:

1. For patients who are undergoing PIC or PCTA and who do not have HIT or HITTS, an IV bolus dose of 0.75 mg/kg IV should be given, followed immediately by an IV infusion of 1.75 mg/kg/hour for the duration of PIC or PCTA.¹⁹⁶
   1. Five minutes after the bolus dose has been given, the ACT should be measured, and if needed, another bolus dose should be given, 0.3 mg/kg IV.¹⁹⁶
   2. A glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor should be given if any of the following conditions are present.¹⁹⁶
      1. Abrupt closure
      2. Clinical instability
      3. Decreased TMI flow (0 to 2) or slow reflow
      4. Dissection with decreased flow
      5. Distal embolization
      6. New or suspected thrombus
      7. Persistent residual stenosis
      8. Prolonged ischemia
      9. Side branch closure
      10. Sub-optimal stenting
      11. Unplanned stent
2. For patients are undergoing PIC and who have or who are at risk for HIT or HITTS, the dose is a 0.75 mg/kg bolus given IV. This should be followed by an IV infusion of 1.75 mg/kg/hour for the duration of the procedure.¹⁹⁶

Bivalirudin may be given for up to four hours post-procedure if the treating physician feels it is needed.¹⁹² If the patient has a STEMI, continuing the infusion at 1.75 mg/kg/hour for four hours should be considered.¹⁹⁶

After four hours, an additional IV infusion of bivalirudin can be started at 0.2 mg/kg/hour IV for up to 20 hours, if needed.¹⁹⁶

Bivalirudin must be used in conjunction with aspirin, 300 mg to 325 mg, PO, every day.¹⁹⁶

Renal Impairment: Clearance of bivalirudin is decreased in patients who have renal impairment. If the CrCl is < 30 mL/minute, the dose should be decreased to 1 mg/kg/hour.¹⁹⁵

During dialysis, the dose should be decreased to 0.25 mg/kg/hour.¹⁹⁵

Adverse effects: Back pain, headache, hypotension, minor hemorrhage, nausea, pain.¹⁹⁵

Special considerations: An acute stent thrombosis may occur in patients with a STEMI who are undergoing PCI and who are receiving bivalirudin.¹⁹⁶ These patients should remain hospitalized for at least 24 hours after the procedure.¹⁹⁶

There is an increased risk for thrombus when bivalirudin is used during gamma brachytherapy.¹⁹⁵

Bivalirudin may falsely prolong the INR.¹⁹⁷

Mechanism of action: Dabigatran is a pro-drug, and its active metabolite is a direct thrombin inhibitor.¹⁹⁸

Onset of effects: The time to peak plasma level is 1 hour.¹⁹⁸

Duration: Dabigatran is taken once a day or twice a day. The half-life elimination time is 12-17 hours.¹⁹⁸

Uses:

1. Reducing stroke risk and reducing the risk of systemic embolization in patients who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation.¹⁹⁹
2. Treatment of DVT and PE in patients who have received a parenteral anticoagulant for 5-10 days.¹⁹⁹
3. Reducing the risk of DVT and PE in patients who have previously been treated for these pathologies.¹⁹⁹
4. Prophylaxis against DVT and PE in patients who have had hip replacement surgery.¹⁹⁹

Dose:

1. Patients who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation: 150 mg PO twice a day.¹⁹⁸
2. Treatment of DVT and PE in patients who have received a parenteral anticoagulant for 5-10 days: 15 mg twice day.¹⁹⁸
3. Reducing the risk of DVT and PE in patients who have previously been treated for these pathologies: 150 mg PO, twice a day.¹⁹⁸
4. Prophylaxis against DVT and PE in patients who have had hip replacement surgery: 110 mg a day PO the first day, 1-4 hours after surgery, then 220 mg PO once a day.¹⁹⁸ The optimal duration of treatment is not known, but dabigatran is usually given after hip replacement surgery for a minimum of 10-14 days and to 35 days post-op.¹⁹⁸

Renal impairment: Dose reductions of dabigatran are recommended if the patient has renal impairment.^198,199 For the sake of brevity, the dosing recommendations for dabigatran in patients who have renal impairment will not be included; they are long, complex, and specific to the degree of impairment and to the reason dabigatran is being used.^198,199

Adverse effects: Bleeding and gastrointestinal distress, e.g., dyspepsia.¹⁹⁸

Special considerations: Dabigatran is contraindicated for patients who have a mechanical prosthetic heart valve,^198,199 and its use is not recommended for patients who have valvular heart disease.¹⁹⁹

Dabigatran is not recommended for use in patients who have triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome.¹⁹⁹ Giving these drugs to this patient population has been associated with an increased risk for thromboembolic events.¹⁹⁹

Upon premature discontinuation, the risk of thrombotic events is increased. If dabigatran must be discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider the use of another anticoagulant during the time of interruption.¹⁹⁹ (US Boxed Warning).

Spinal or epidural hematomas may occur with neuraxial anesthesia (epidural or spinal anesthesia) or spinal puncture in patients who are anticoagulated, and this may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk of spinal/epidural hematoma is increased with the use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant administration of other drugs that affect hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants), in patients with a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures, or a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran is low; however, the optimal timing between the administration of dabigatran and neuraxial procedures is not known. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment (e.g., midline back pain, numbness/weakness of legs, bowel/bladder dysfunction); prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary. In patients who are anticoagulated or pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is anticipated, assess risks versus benefits prior to neuraxial interventions.¹⁹⁸ (US Boxed Warning).

Dabigatran increases the risk of bleeding, and significant bleeding that can cause death can occur.¹⁹⁹ Idarucizumab can reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, and it should be given to patients who have uncontrolled, life-threatening bleeding caused by dabigatran.¹⁹⁹

Mechanism of action: Alteplase binds to fibrin in a thrombus and converts plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin is a serine protease that lyses fibrin clots.²⁰²

Onset of effects: Immediate.²⁰²

Duration of effects: Fibrinolytic activity continues for up to 1 hour after injection.²⁰²

Uses:²⁰²

1. Acute ischemic stroke patients presenting within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms.
2. Massive PE.
3. STEMI.

Alteplase is also used off-label for patients who present within 3 to 4.5 hours after the onset of an acute ischemic stroke.²⁰² The 2018 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke recommend the use of alteplase for patients who present within 3 to 4.5 hours after the onset of an acute ischemic stroke or within 3 to 3.5 hours from when the patient was last known to be well.³⁹

Dose:²⁰³

1. Acute ischemic stroke, used within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms: The total dose is 0.9 mg/kg, the maximum dose no more than 90 mg. Give an initial IV bolus of 10% of the total dose; this should be infused in over 1 minute. The remainder of the dose should be infused in over 60 minutes.
2. Pulmonary embolism: 100 mg IV, infused in over 2 hours.
3. STEMI: The recommended dose is weight-based, and the maximum dose is 100 mg or less.²⁰³ There are two ways to give the drug.
   1. Accelerated infusion: For patients who weigh < 67, an initial IV bolus of 15 mg, followed by 50 mg within the first 30 minutes and then 35 mg over the next 60 minutes.
      1. For patients who weigh > 67 kg, give an initial IV bolus of 15 mg, followed by 0.75 mg/kg within the next 30 minutes, then 0.5 mg/kg within the next 60 minutes.
   2. Three-hour infusion: For patients who weigh < 65 kg, the dose is 100 mg. In the first hour give 60 mg, with an IV bolus dose of 6-10 mg and the remainder (50-54 mg) administered within the hour. This is followed by 20 mg over the next hour and 20 mg over the third hour.
      1. For patients who weight < 65 kg, the initial bolus should be 0.075 mg/kg and 0.675 mg/kg should be infused over the remainder of the first hour. In the second and third hours, infuse 0.25 mg/kg.
      2. For patients who weigh ≥ 65 kg, the initial bolus should be 6-10 mg and 54-50 mg should be infused over the remainder of the first hour. In the second and the third hours, infuse 20 mg.

The manufacturer’s prescribing information states that there are no controlled studies that have compared the clinical outcomes of the accelerated infusion versus the three-hour infusion.²⁰³ The 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction recommends using the accelerated infusion,⁵⁹ and a 2017 systematic review of the literature concluded that the accelerated infusion technique was more effective and was associated with less risk for bleeding.²⁰⁴

Fibrinolytic therapy should be administered within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital.^202,205

The 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction states that fibrinolytic therapy can be administered to patients having a STEMI within 12 hours of the onset of ischemic symptoms (If PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact).⁵⁹ The 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline also states that using fibrinolytic therapy within 12-24 hours of the onset of symptoms is reasonable for patients having a STEMI if there is clinical and/or ECG evidence of ongoing ischemia, a large area of the myocardium is at risk, or if the patient is hemodynamically unstable.⁵⁹

Adverse effects: Intracranial hemorrhage.²⁰² Alteplase: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurs in 2-8% of patients who are having an ischemic stroke and are treated with alteplase.^203,206-208 The time of highest risk appears to be within the first 24 hours after the drug has been given.²⁰⁶ Hemopericardium and hemothorax can also occur.^208,209,210

The risk of intracranial hemorrhage with the use of alteplase to treat ischemic stroke is increased with older age, greater stroke severity, and a high baseline glucose, and if the patient has atrial fibrillation, baseline antiplatelet therapy, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, leukoaraiosis (Abnormal white matter changes), or renal impairment.²⁰⁷

The incidence risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients who have a PE and are treated with alteplase has been reported to be 1.5% and the incidence of major bleeding 9.2%.²¹¹

During clinical trials, the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in patients receiving alteplase as a treatment for STEMI was 0.4-1.7%.²⁰³

Special considerations - Ischemic stroke: The labeled use of alteplase is within 3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. The AHA/ASA concluded that alteplase given within 3 to 4.5 hours after the onset of an acute ischemic stroke or from when the patient was last known to be well is effective and should be given.³⁹

The administration of alteplase should not be delayed in preference to completing imaging studies, e.g., CT scan or MRI.³⁹

A blood glucose level should be measured before administering alteplase;³⁹ hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are stroke mimics.³⁹ The administration of alteplase should not be delayed in preference to obtaining a 12-lead ECG, a CXR, or a baseline serum troponin level.³⁹ Measuring the aPTT, the INR, and the platelet count should not delay the administration of alteplase unless there is a strong reason to suspect that the patient has a coagulopathy.³⁹

An elevated blood pressure may increase the risk of bleeding from alteplase.³⁹ The systolic blood pressure should be < 180 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure should be < 110 mm Hg before administering alteplase,³⁹ and alteplase should not be given if the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure are not below 180 mm Hg/110 mm Hg, respectively.³⁹ An IV infusion of clevidipine, labetalol, or nicardipine can be used to lower blood pressure in this situation^39,209 hydralazine or enalaprilat are alternate choices.^39,209

Coagulation tests and measures of fibrinolytic activity are not reliable during treatment with alteplase unless specific adjustments are made in laboratory procedures.²⁰³

Absolute Contraindications for the Use of Alteplase in Ischemic Stroke:^{39,202,203,209}

• aPTT > 40 seconds
• Aortic arch dissection
• Coagulopathy: INR> 1.7, platelet count < <100 000/mm3, PTT > 15 seconds. (If the patient has no known history of thrombocytopenia, is not taking and oral anticoagulant or heparin, alteplase can be given. If subsequent testing reveals an INR > 1.7, a platelet count < 100,000 mm3, or a PTT > 15 seconds, the alteplase infusion should be discontinued)
• Elevated blood pressure (systolic >185 mm Hg or diastolic >110 mm Hg)
• GI bleeding within the past 21 days
• GI malignancy
• Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: Current use of these drugs
• Infective endocarditis
• Intra-axial intracranial neoplasm
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Intracranial or intraspinal surgery within the past 3 months
• Ischemic stroke with the past 3 months
• LMWH: Alteplase should not be administered given if the patient has been given a treatment dose (not a prophylactic dose) of an LMWH in the past 24 hours
• Severe head trauma within the past 3 months
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Relative Contraindications for the Use of Alteplase in Ischemic Stroke:

The effectiveness and safety of administering alteplase in these clinical situations have not been clearly established; consider its use on a case by case basis.³⁹

• Acute pericarditis
• Arterial puncture at non-compressible site in the past 7 days: The efficacy and safety of using alteplase for a patient who has had an arterial puncture at a non-compressible site in the past 7 days are not known.
• Cerebral microbleed
• Diabetic retinopathy or another ophthalmic hemorrhagic condition
• Dural puncture: The use of alteplase can be considered in patients who have had a dural puncture in the past 7 days
• Giant unruptured and unsecured intracranial aneurysm
• GI or genitourinary bleeding > 21 days prior to the need for alteplase
• Intracranial arterial dissection
• Intracranial vascular malformation
• Left atrial or ventricular thrombus and an acute ischemic stroke likely to produce a mild level of disability
• Menorrhagia
• Major surgery within the past 14 days
• Major trauma within the past 14 days (Excluding head trauma; head trauma is an absolute contraindication)
• Pregnancy
• Systemic malignancy
• Thrombin Inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors: Giving alteplase to a patient who is taking a thrombin inhibitor or a factor Xa inhibitor may be harmful. Alteplase should not be given to these patients unless the aPTT, INR, ecarin clotting time, thrombin time, or factor Xa activity assays are normal or if the patient has not taken a dose in the past 48 hours

Special considerations – Pulmonary embolism:

Alteplase is indicated for treating patients who have a massive PE and who are in shock or are hemodynamically unstable.^158,212,213

Because of a significant risk for bleeding (approximately 10%), alteplase should be given only after the presence of a PE has been confirmed, after determining the absence/presence of contraindications for its use, and after any anticoagulant therapy has been stopped.^158,212,213

The recommended dose is 100 mg. A lower dose of 50 mg may be as effective as 100 mg,^207,208 but there is no conclusive evidence that a 50 mg dose decreases the risk of bleeding.²¹²

Absolute Contraindications for Alteplase in Pulmonary Embolism:²¹²

• Active bleeding (Excluding menses)
• Ischemic stroke within the past 3 months
• Malignant intracranial neoplasm
• Prior intracranial hemorrhage
• Significant closed head or facial trauma in the past 3 months
• Structural cerebral vascular lesion

Relative Contraindications for Alteplase in Pulmonary Embolism:²¹²

• Active peptic ulcer
• Age > 75 years
• Current use of an anticoagulant and an INR > 1.7 or a PT > 15 seconds
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Internal bleeding within the past 2-4 weeks
• Ischemic stroke > 3 months before presentation
• Major surgery within the past 3 weeks
• Pericarditis or pericardial fluid
• Pregnancy
• Recent invasive procedure
• Systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure > 110 mm Hg
• Vascular puncture at a non-compressible site

Special Considerations- STEMI:

Patients who are having a STEMI and are being given alteplase should also be started on antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel and anticoagulant therapy with heparin or an LMWH.²⁰⁵

Absolute Contraindications for Alteplase in STEMI:²⁰⁵

• Aortic dissection or suspicion of aortic dissection
• Bleeding (Excluding menses)
• Ischemic stroke or another cerebrovascular event in the past year
• Prior cerebrovascular hemorrhage
• Systolic blood pressure > 180 mm hg, diastolic blood pressure > 110 mm HG

Relative Contraindications for Alteplase in STEMI:²⁰⁵

• Active peptic ulcer disease
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, > 10 minutes duration in the past 2 weeks
• Current use of anticoagulants and INR > 2.0
• Hemorrhagic ophthalmic condition
• History of severe hypertension that is not adequately controlled
• Invasive procedure in the past 2 weeks
• Pregnancy
• Surgery in the past 2 weeks

Mechanism of action: Reteplase converts plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin degrades the fibrin matrix of a thrombus, lysing the clot.^214,215

Onset: 30-90 minutes.

Duration: The half-life of reteplase is 13-16 minutes, and the mean fibrinogen level returns to baseline level by 48 hours.²¹⁴

Uses: Treatment of STEMI.²¹⁴

Dose: 10 units IV, infused over 2 minutes. This should be followed 30 minutes later by another 10 units.²¹⁴

Adverse effects: Bleeding (injection site, 49%; genito-urinary, 10%).²¹⁴ The three clinical trials that were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reteplase reported that the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.8%-1.2%, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.8%-9%, genito-urinary bleeding 0.9%-10%, and bleeding that required a transfusion occurred in 12.4% of all patients.²¹⁶ Elevated blood pressure and age > 70 years increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.²¹⁵

Special Considerations: Coagulation tests and measures of fibrinolytic activity are not reliable during treatment with reteplase unless specific adjustments are made in laboratory procedures.²¹⁵

Absolute Contraindications:^59,214,215

• Active bleeding (Except for menses)
• Bleeding diatheses
• Intracranial or intraspinal therapy in the past 2 months
• Ischemic stroke in the past 3 months
• Malignant intracranial neoplasm, metastatic or primary
• Prior intracranial hemorrhage
• Significant closed head trauma or facial trauma in the past 3 months
• Severe hypertension that does not respond to emergency therapy
• Structural vascular lesion
• Suspected aortic dissection

Relative Contraindications:^59,214,215

• Active peptic ulcer
• CPR, prolonged or traumatic
• Dementia
• Internal bleeding in the past 2-4 weeks
• Intracranial pathology not covered in the absolute contraindications
• Major surgery in the past 3 weeks
• Non-compressible vascular punctures
• Pregnancy
• Oral anticoagulant therapy
• Significant hypertension on presentation: Systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure > 110 mm Hg
• Stroke in the past 3 months

Mechanism of action: Tenecteplase binds to fibrin in a thrombus and converts plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin is a serine protease that lyses fibrin clots.^217,218

Onset of effects: Not listed in the prescribing information.

Duration of effects: Tenecteplase has an initial half-life of 20-24 minutes.²¹⁷

Use:

1. Treatment of STEMI by lysis of thrombi in the coronary vasculature.^217,218

Dose: The dose is weight-based, and it is administered as a bolus over 5 seconds.^217,218

• <60 kg: 30 mg
• ≥60 to <70 kg: 35 mg
• ≥70 to <80 kg: 40 mg
• ≥80 to <90 kg: 45 mg
• ≥90 kg: 50 mg

Adverse effects: Bleeding, hematoma.^217,218 The prescribing information for tenecteplase notes that during the ASSENT-2 clinical trial, 0.9% of patients having a STEMI who were treated with tenecteplase had an intracranial hemorrhage.²¹¹ The incidence of bleeding in the ASSENT-2 trial that required a transfusion was 0.38%.²¹¹ Research subsequent to this found a 0.38%-1% incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in STEMI patients;^219-200 the incidence for patients > 75 years old was 8.1% but if the dose of tenecteplase as reduced, there were no patients in the age group that developed an intracranial hemorrhage.²²⁰

Special considerations: Precipitation may occur when TNKase is administered in an IV line containing dextrose. Dextrose-containing lines should be flushed with a saline-containing solution prior to and following a single bolus administration of TNKase.^217,218

Absolute Contraindications:²¹⁷

• Active internal bleeding
• AV malformation
• Bleeding diathesis
• Intracranial aneurysm
• Intracranial or intraspinal surgery in the past 2 months
• Intracranial neoplasm
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension

Relative Contraindications:²¹⁷

• Acute pericarditis
• Bleeding diathesis
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Current use of anticoagulants
• Diabetic hemorrhagic retinopathy or another hemorrhagic ophthalmic condition
• Non-compressible
• Occluded AV cannula at a seriously infected site
• Pregnancy
• Recent gastrointestinal or genito-urinary bleeding
• Recent major surgery
• Recent trauma
• Septic thrombophlebitis
• Severe hepatic dysfunction
• Subacute bacterial endocarditis
• Systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure > 110 mg HG
• Vascular puncture at a non-compressible site

Mechanism of action: Inhibits clotting factor Xa.²⁰⁰

Onset of effects: Fondaparinux is rapidly and completely absorbed, and the time to peak plasma is approximately 2 to 3 hours.²⁰⁰

Duration of effects: Fondaparinux is given once a day, and the half-life is approximately 17 to 21 hours.²⁰⁰

Uses:

1. Treatment of patients who have acute DVT, in conjunction with warfarin.²⁰⁰
2. Treatment of patients who have acute PE, in conjunction with warfarin.²⁰⁰
3. Prophylactic treatment to prevent venous thromboembolism in patients who are having abdominal surgery, surgery for a fractured hip, or hip or knee replacement surgery.²⁰⁰

Dose:

1. Treatment of patients who have acute DVT or PE, in conjunction with warfarin: < 50 kg, 5 mg SC, once a day. 50-100 kg, 7.5 mg SC, once a day; > 100 kg, 10 mg SC, once a day.²⁰⁰ The duration of therapy is usually 5 to 9 days, but it can be longer.²⁰⁰
2. Prophylactic treatment to prevent venous thromboembolism in patients who are having abdominal surgery, surgery for a fractured hip, or hip or knee replacement surgery: ≥ 50 kg, 2.5 mg SC, given after hemostasis has been established and no earlier than 6 to 8 hours postoperatively.²⁰⁰

For non-orthopedic surgery, continue use until the patient is fully ambulatory, and the risk of developing VTE has diminished.²⁰⁰

For orthopedic surgery, fondaparinux is usually given for 10 to 14 days and occasionally for up to 35 days; the optimal duration of therapy is not known.²⁰⁰

Renal impairment: If the CrCl is 30-50 mL/minute, fondaparinux clearance is approximately 40% of normal, and it should be used cautiously.¹⁹⁶ Fondaparinux is contraindicated if the CrCl is < 30 mL/minute.²⁰⁰

Adverse reactions: Anemia, bleeding.²⁰⁰

Special considerations: Fondaparinux is contraindicated if the patient is < 50 kg; if the patient has bacterial endocarditis, severe renal impairment with a CrCl < 30 mL/minute, and if the patient has thrombocytopenia associated with a positive in vitro test for antiplatelet antibody in the presence of fondaparinux.²⁰⁰

Fondaparinux should not be the only anticoagulant used during PCI because of an increased risk of catheter thrombosis.²⁰⁰

Thrombocytopenia has occurred after administration of fondaparinux, and although fondaparinux can be used to treat patients who HIT, there are reports (rare) of HIT being associated with administration of the drug.^200,201

Fondaparinux should not be given to patients who have a positive in vitro test for antiplatelet antibodies in the presence of fondaparinux.²⁰⁰

Spinal or epidural hematomas that may cause long-term or permanent paralysis may occur with neuraxial anesthesia (epidural or spinal anesthesia) or spinal puncture in patients anticoagulated with LMWH, heparinoids, or fondaparinux. Consider risk versus benefit prior to spinal procedures; risk is increased by the use of concomitant agents which may alter hemostasis (such as NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants), the use of indwelling epidural catheters, a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery, as well as a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures. Optimal timing between the administration of fondaparinux and neuraxial procedures is not known. Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment. If neurologic compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider the benefit and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.²⁰⁰ (US Boxed Warning).

Adherence to the therapy regimen with the oral anticoagulants differs considerably, depending on the patient population, but in many places, e.g., the United States, fewer than one-half of all patients were still taking warfarin two years after it was first prescribed for them.²²⁶ It was hoped that the DOACs would improve patient adherence to oral anticoagulant therapy; some studies have found this to be true, but others have not.²²⁶ Factors that may decrease the adherence to oral anticoagulant therapy include²²⁶:

• Age < 65
• Concerns/worries about adverse effects
• Dissatisfaction about the treatment
• Emotional distress, e.g., anger, anxiety, and depression about the diagnosis that requires oral anticoagulant therapy
• Financial cost
• Information overload
• Low health literacy
• Poor level of knowledge about atrial fibrillation and stroke risk
• Poor level of knowledge about the drugs
• Time concerns, i.e., fitting the therapy into a life schedule

Ensuring patient compliance is very important; the risk of death and stroke increases as adherence to the use of the oral anticoagulants decreases.²²⁶ Strategies that can increase compliance are a strong caregiver-patient relationship, family involvement, and patient education.²²⁶ Monetary rewards, electronic reminders, or visual medication schedules as methods for improving compliance are not recommended by the American Society of Hematology.²⁶

Patients who take warfarin have often been advised to be careful about consuming too much or too little dietary vitamin K. Certainly, dietary consumption of excessively large amounts of vitamin K or a vitamin K deficiency can adversely change the effectiveness of warfarin and the INR.^227,228 However, there is no evidence that patients who take warfarin need to significantly change their diet vis a vis vitamin K intake,^229-231

The use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients taking warfarin should be done cautiously; the combination may increase the anticoagulant effects of the drug and cause bleeding.^232-234

Alcohol may decrease the serum warfarin concentration in people who drink heavily.²³⁵ Patients who take warfarin should be advised to limit their alcohol intake to 1-2 servings a day;²³⁵ a serving is 12 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.²³⁵

The following points should be discussed when a patient begins warfarin therapy or therapy with any anticoagulant, and there should be periodic reinforcement of this information.

1. The signs and symptoms of bleeding.
2. The need to strictly adhere to the dosing schedule: anticoagulants should be taken on time, doses should not be skipped, and the dose should never be decreased or increased by the patient.
3. It is advisable to wear a medical identification bracelet that indicates the patient take an anticoagulant.
4. Periodic blood testing may be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and to make dose adjustments.
5. Discuss with the prescriber what physical activities are safe and which ones are unsafe and may cause bleeding, e.g., contact sports.
6. Do not take a new over-the-counter medication or a new supplement without speaking to the prescriber or another health care professional.