Drugs affecting the Hematopoietic System
Drugs affecting the Hematopoietic System
Drugs affecting the hematopoietic system can be categorized three classes: oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, antiplatelets such aspirin, and hematopoietic growth factors such as filgrastim. Oral anticoagulants inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors X, IX, VII, and II. Antiplatelets inhibits cyclooxygenase, interferes with platelet aggregation; reduces platelet aggregation by inhibiting adenosine diphosphate pathway; protease-activated receptor-I antagonist, inhibits thrombin. Hematopoietic growth factors stimulate erythropoiesis and is used for the treatment of anemia; stimulate granulocyte formation and is used for neutropenia secondary to bone cancer and chemotherapy (Woo &Robinson, 2020).
Warfarin is one of the most widely used oral anticoagulant medications which is reduces the formation of blood clots. Warfarin is used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack in the patients who have high risk of having them in the future. Warfarin dosing regimen will be calculated or individualized for the patient by the clinician using warfarin dosing calculator (warfarindosing, n.d.). Warfarin should be taken at the same time every day, never take a double dose. INR/PT test should be monitored, the patients who take warfarin must remain under the doctor care while taking it (Drug.com, 2022).
