Which of the following is a common anticoagulant?

Which of the following is a common anticoagulant?

• A. Warfarin (Coumadin)
• B. Aspirin
• C. Heparin
• D. Clopidogrel

Answer: (A)

Anticoagulants work by interfering with the blood’s clotting cascade to prevent clot formation, while antiplatelet drugs stop platelets from sticking together. Warfarin is a common oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, making it a standard long-term option for preventing strokes in atrial fibrillation and for preventing or treating certain clots. Heparin also acts as an anticoagulant but is typically used in hospital settings and given by injection or IV. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelets, not anticoagulants, so they don’t affect the clotting factors in the same way. That’s why Warfarin is the best answer here.

Anticoagulants work by interfering with the blood’s clotting cascade to prevent clot formation, while antiplatelet drugs stop platelets from sticking together. Warfarin is a common oral anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, making it a standard long-term option for preventing strokes in atrial fibrillation and for preventing or treating certain clots. Heparin also acts as an anticoagulant but is typically used in hospital settings and given by injection or IV. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelets, not anticoagulants, so they don’t affect the clotting factors in the same way. That’s why Warfarin is the best answer here.