drugs

Medicines for the treatment of arterial embolism

Definition

In the medical field, “arterial embolism” is defined as a sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ or to another part of the body, caused by an embolus (clot: blood clot, air bubble, lipid agglomerates, parasites). .. etc.): arterial embolism causes circulatory disorders of varying degrees on the legs, feet, brain, kidneys, spleen or intestine.

  • When a clot affects the arteries that carry blood to the lungs, it is called pulmonary embolism.

Causes

Arterial embolism is directly related to the formation of clots in the blood vessels, which are responsible for obstructing blood flow. The major risk factors include: atherosclerosis, increased platelet count, endocarditis, atrial fibrillation and mitral stenosis.

Symptoms

It should be noted that the symptomatology related to arterial embolism depends on the site in which the clot is formed and the type of artery involved, as well as on the size of the artery. Among the most recurrent symptoms, we note: weakness and difficulty in movement of the limb affected by embolism, hypothermia of the same, decrease in the perception of heart rate, tingling, sensation of cold at the ends of the fingers.

Complications of arterial embolism: stroke, heart attack (myocardial infarction), skin ulceration, gangrene

Information on Arterial Embolism - Drugs for the Treatment of Arterial Embolism is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Arterial Embolism - Drugs for Arterial Embolism.

drugs

An untreated arterial embolism can give fatal results due to a deficiency of oxygen in the blood: according to this, it can be guessed that timely treatment with targeted drugs is fundamental to ensure not only the healing of the patient, but also and above all the its survival.

anticoagulants

  • Warfarin (eg. Coumadin) the pharmacological treatment for the treatment of arterial embolism must be started at standard doses (5-10 mg), avoiding the use of high dosages. Warfarin is a dangerous drug, to be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of the attending physician, given the numerous interactions with other drugs and the side effects it may cause.
  • Heparin (eg. Heparin Cal Acv, Heparin Sod.Ath, Ateroclar, Trombolisin): generally, for patients suffering from arterial embolism, heparins are administered at a dose of 100 units / ml every 6-8 hours (in PVC catheters) . However, the dosage can be modified by the doctor based on the patient's response and the severity of the pathological condition.

antiplatelet agents

  • Acetylsalicylic acid (eg Aspirin, Aspirinetta, Cardioaspirin) in general, aspirin is prescribed at a dose of 75-100 mg (to be taken orally) for prophylaxis to arterial embolism: this therapy has proved particularly useful for those patients that already have a history of embolisms. The administration of this drug is also indicated to prevent complications from pulmonary embolism, stroke in particular.
  • Ticlopidine (eg Ticlopidina Alm, Fluilast, Clox) take 250 mg of active twice a day. Consult your doctor.
  • Clopidogrel (eg Clopidogrel Hexal, Clopidogrel Teva, Grepid, Clopidogrel Ratiopharm, Plavix) used to inhibit platelet aggregation in the context of arterial embolism. The dosage must be established by the doctor. It is also indicated to prevent complications from arterial embolism, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

thrombolysis

  • Streptokinase: it is recommended to take the drug for the treatment of arterial embolism, at the dose of 250, 000 units in 30 minutes, by intravenous infusion; then, inject 100, 000 units / hour for 12-72 hours, depending on the patient's health conditions, his response to the treatment and the coagulation parameters.

Alternative treatments or drug support

If the drugs do not bring any benefit to the patient, the surgical removal of the embolus from the obstructed artery is the only possible option to definitively treat arterial embolism:

  • arterial bypass: indicated to create a second source of blood supply
  • aspiration of the clot by catheter
  • opening of the artery affected by the embolism with a balloon catheter