What is another term for anticoagulant?

Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood clotting, and one synonym for this category of medications is "antithrombotics." This term encompasses both anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, underscoring their shared purpose of managing clotting risks in patients.

Anticoagulants specifically work by inhibiting the clotting cascade, reducing the formation of fibrin clots in the blood. This is critical in preventing conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and strokes. The term "antithrombotics" reflects this broader role of preventing thrombus formation, which aligns well with the mechanism of anticoagulants.

The other terms are distinct medications or classes of drugs. Antiplatelets primarily prevent the aggregation of platelets, which is a different aspect of the coagulation process. Thrombolytics are used to dissolve existing clots rather than prevent their formation. Coagulants, on the other hand, promote blood clotting, which is the opposite of what anticoagulants do. Thus, "antithrombotics" accurately describes a broader category that includes anticoagulants.