Anticoagulants & antiplatelets
Blood thinners, two ways
Preventing and treating clots — atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and heart-attack prevention.
Anticoagulants interrupt the clotting-factor cascade; antiplatelets stop platelets from clumping together.
The 4 anticoagulants & antiplatelets in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Apixaban | Eliquis | afib, DVT/PE prevention |
| Clopidogrel | Plavix | stroke/MI prevention |
| Rivaroxaban | Xarelto | afib, DVT/PE prevention |
| Warfarin | Coumadin | anticoagulation (afib, DVT) |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleWarfarin needs regular INR blood tests; the DOACs generally do not.
- check_circleApixaban and rivaroxaban end in -xaban and block factor Xa.
- check_circleClopidogrel is an antiplatelet, not an anticoagulant — different mechanism, same goal.
- check_circleWarfarin's effect changes with vitamin K intake, so leafy-green portions should stay steady.
This is a high-alert group. Any new bruising, dark stools or bleeding that won't stop needs immediate attention.
Warfarin is the vitamin K antagonist and the one tied to INR monitoring.
Drill anticoagulants & antiplatelets the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the anticoagulants & antiplatelets class? add
Apixaban, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are anticoagulants & antiplatelets used for? add
Preventing and treating clots — atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and heart-attack prevention.
How do anticoagulants & antiplatelets work? add
Anticoagulants interrupt the clotting-factor cascade; antiplatelets stop platelets from clumping together.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.