List of Medications for Pulmonary Embolization Treatment
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels through the lower extremities and into the lungs, disrupting the normal flow of blood throughout the body. Patients with pulmonary embolism are able to recover in a short time by managing their symptoms and receiving the right treatment. According to doctors, patients with an early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are more likely to recover quickly than those with a late diagnosis. Following are some common treatments for pulmonary embolism : [ 8 ]
Medications
If a patient has pulmonary embolism, doctors will first prescribe anticoagulants or blood thinners. Blood thinners are named for their ability to make blood clot less easily. Anticoagulants or blood thinners prevent clots getting bigger as they dissolve by the body, but do not break up the clots.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners, also called anti-coagulants, are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat blood clots. Blood thinners have two main roles in treating blood clots. First, they prevent the clot from growing in size. Second, they stop the formation of new blood clots. Blood thinners are not used to dissolve blood clots. Our body will do this on its own over time. The doctor can assist you in deciding which blood thinner is best for your condition. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed as follows:
- Warfarin : Warfarin treats and prevents clots that form in the lungs. This medication can be administered either by injection or IV.
- Heparin Heparin is a medication that helps to lower the risk of clots forming. You can get this medication via an IV or as a shot.
- Dalteparin
- Tinzaparin
- Enoxaparin
You can inject the three last blood thinners at home. They all have a low molecular mass. Some patients may start their treatment in the ER, or at the hospital during a check-up. It is also important to know that internal bleeding can be a major side effect from taking blood thinners. If you take these medications too often, internal bleeding may occur. Your doctor may test your blood density. Internal bleeding is still a possibility even if you only take therapeutic doses. Doctors may prescribe thrombolytics in cases of life-threatening situations arising from the use blood thinners. The thrombolytic drugs break up blood clots quickly, which are causing severe symptoms. It is important to use thrombolytic medications with caution as they may cause bleeding.
When you take blood thinners, you should make sure you change what you eat and drink. Foods high in vitamin K, for example, can interfere with the way blood thinners are absorbed by your body. Vitamin K is known to have blood-clotting properties. This means that you should try to consume the same amount of fish, leafy vegetables, liver and vegetable oils. Ask your doctor if you should drink alcohol if you are on blood thinners. Do not drastically alter your diet. Consult your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Blood thinners are affected by a variety of medicines.
- Cold medicine
- Aspirin
- Antibiotics
- Sleeping pills
- Pain medicines
For some people, it may take longer than three months before the blood thinners are effective in preventing pulmonary embolism. Some people may need to take blood thinners for the rest of their lives to control pulmonary embolism.
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