US Medical Term · medications
Anticoagulant
Anticoagulante
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Anticoagulant |
| Spanish (Español) | Anticoagulante |
| Chinese (中文) | 抗凝血藥 |
| Korean (한국어) | 항응고제 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc chống đông máu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Anticoagulant |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anticoagulante |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาต้านการแข็งตัวของเลือด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 抗凝固薬 |
What it means
Anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners, are medications that prevent blood clots from forming or growing. They are used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. Common anticoagulants include warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and heparin. If you take warfarin, your blood levels (INR) need regular monitoring. Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk — report unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, or blood in urine or stool. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless directed. Inform all healthcare providers you are on a blood thinner before any procedure.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I take a blood thinner — do I need to stop it before my procedure?
Tomo un anticoagulante, ¿necesito suspenderlo antes de mi procedimiento?
What foods or medications can interact with my anticoagulant?
¿Qué alimentos o medicamentos pueden interactuar con mi anticoagulante?
What signs of bleeding should I watch for while on this medication?
¿Qué señales de sangrado debo observar mientras tomo este medicamento?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026