Thrombolytic vs Fibrinolytic vs Anticoagulant agents

There is sometimes confusion among medical students that what’s the difference between the thrombolytic agents, fibrinolytic agents and the anticoagulants. In this article we’ll study the difference between them and also learn which drugs or agents perform each of these actions.

Lets check out what are these blood thinners and what’s the difference between each blood thinner.

Thrombolytic agents

What are thrombolytic agents?

Thrombolytic agents break down the thrombus or clot itself.

This means, that when a thrombolytic agent encounters a clot, it starts its breakdown by directly acting on the clot. This results in breakdown of thrombus.

Thrombolytics example

Example includes Heparin (natural thrombolytic).

When heparin is administered into the blood vessel, for example, it clears and breaks down any clot that comes along its way. Hence working as a thrombolytic agent.

Note: theoretically heparin is only anticoagulant, however it works as an indirect thrombolytic agent too.

thrombolytic vs fibrinolytic vs anticoagulant agents

Fibrinolytic agents

What are fibrinolytic agents?

Fibrinolytic agents are the one which breakdown the fibrin inside the clot but not the thrombus itself.

This means that fibrinolytic drugs given for fibrinolytic therapy and fibrinolytic agents act on the fibrin only. The other contents of thrombus remain acting.

Fibrinolytics example

Example includes Plasminogen (natural fibrinolytic).

Firbrinolytic drugs examples:

Remember not to use any drug on your own without consulting a doctor, these are highly potential drugs and can lead to death even if misused.

Fibrinolytic drugs have mainly three major classes:

  • tPA – tissue plasminogen activator
  • SK – streptokinase
  • UK – urokinase

The drugs included in these three classes have the ability to resolve a blood clot. However their detailed mechanisms of actions vary and thus their choice varies based on the exact condition and patients requirements.

Anticoagulant agents

What are anticoagulant agents?

Anticoagulants work is before the clot is formed. I.e, they prevent the clot from getting formed in first place.

Once the thrombus is formed anticoagulants can’t break it down. Instead, thrombolytic agents are used instead for the breakdown of the clot.

Thrombolytic vs Fibrinolytic vs Anticoagulant agents

Each of them have their own role in normal homeostasis as well as a therapeutic role in specific conditions. It’s important to understand the role of each of them so that the correct one can be used when needed without any confusion.

Hope it clarifies the concept of each of these. If you have any query related to thrombolytics, fibrinolytics or anticoagulants please let me know.

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