Double-Helix, BSN, RN Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU. Has 10 years experience. Feb 7, 2017 Yes and no. They are the same in that both break down blood clots. But, as the name implies, thrombolytics act on the entire thrombus (clot) while fibrinolytics break down the fibrin within the clot. Essentially fibrinolytic are a type of thrombolytic. Some drugs do both. These are separate still from anticoaglants- which prevent clot formation, but do not break down clots. Antiplatelet or antiaggregate drugs that inhibit platelet clumping, are a form of anticoagulant. 0 Likes
AliNajaCat Feb 7, 2017 No fibrin, no clot, so the answer is yes, from a functional standpoint. I learned the clotting cascade a dozen times and still can't reproduce it all, but reviewing the graphic depiction will help you understand this. 0 Likes
LessValuableNinja Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance. Has 8 years experience. Feb 14, 2017 If a clot falls in the forest, and there was no fibrin to see it, was it ever really there in the first place? 0 Likes
