What Are the Types of Anticoagulants?

There are three main types of anticoagulants:

1. Heparin: This is a naturally occurring substance that prevents blood clots from forming. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Heparin is given by injection under the skin or into a vein.

2. Warfarin: This is a synthetic anticoagulant that works by interfering with the body's production of clotting factors. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots, including DVT, PE, and atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke). Warfarin is taken by mouth.

3. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): These are newer anticoagulants that work by directly inhibiting specific clotting factors. They are used to treat and prevent blood clots, including DVT, PE, and atrial fibrillation. DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and edoxaban (Lixiana). DOACs are taken by mouth.

The type of anticoagulant that is best for a particular person depends on the underlying condition being treated, the individual's risk factors for bleeding, and the person's preferences.