Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease Drugs Oral Anticoagulants
These are medications that dissolve blood clots; for example, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
How do these drugs work?
These medications dissolve blood clots present in blood vessels.
What are the benefits?
Blood clots that form in the blood vessels can block blood flow to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. By dissolving blood clots, anticoagulants can lower the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Potential side effects
Painful, purple toes; rash; hair loss; bloating; diarrhea; jaundice; bleeding gums; bruising; nosebleeds; heavy menstrual bleeding; cuts that bleed too long; hematuria