Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Cautions of Anticoagulant drugs
Although some anticoagulants such as aspirin are available freely without prescription, they should always be taken following the instructions of your GP or other healthcare specialist. Taking too much of these drugs can result in severe bleeding, especially if you are bruised or injured. Aspirin should not be taken by children under 16, owing to its links with Reyes Syndrome.
These drugs often interact with other substances so your GP should be informed of any other medications or supplements you are taking.
If a person who is taking anticoagulants is going to undergo surgery, then they should make sure the medical team is informed of their medication. It may be necessary to stop taking these drugs in order to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery, and to promote healing.
There is a risk that taking anticoagulants, while reducing the risk of strokes and other conditions caused by clotting, can increase the chances of a patient having a haemorrhage. Therefore medication levels and individual risks should be carefully monitored.
