Anti-coagulant vs anti-thrombolytic help

[Bec717]

Can someone please explain the difference and when one is used vs the other?

Anti-coagulant is to prevent the aggregation of platelets correct, so a clot does not form

Anti-thrombolytic is to prevent a thromos from forming what is the difference?

Thanks~

[Bec717]

Okay~ I think I found my own answer~

anti-coag would prevent the formation of clots, while anti-thrombo would dissolve existing clots ~ is this correct?

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Yep, you got it.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

I have to disagree with the above. A thrombolytic will break up blood clots. An antithrombolytic will inhibit a thrombolytic from doing it's job of breaking up blood clots. Is there such a class of drugs? I looked up alteplase (TPA), a thrombolytic agent, to see what the antidotes were for accidental overdose and administering vasopressors was mentioned along with a bunch of other actions.

This is where knowing some medical terminology can be helpful. The term "antithrombolytic" breaks down to

anti -

against

thrombo -

blood clot

ly -

from "lysis" which means the condition of setting free or dissolution; the "-sis" part of ly

sis

is a suffix that means condition

tic -

the suffix attached to "ly" meaning pertaining to

the meaning, then, is

pertaining to being against dissolution of blood clots.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

after much searching.....two med dict. and an encylopedia.....within which the word doesnt exist.....have come to the conclusion that it is like.."inflammable and flammable".....indeed they are "clot busters" why the "anti- " in front , is beyond me.....

[Music in My Heart]

Bec, I think you're confusing "antithrombolytic" with "antithrombotic"

A thrombolytic dissolves clots.