Which class dissolves a thrombus after it has formed, by breaking down fibrin?

Which class dissolves a thrombus after it has formed, by breaking down fibrin?

• A. Anticoagulant
• B. Vasodilator
• C. Thrombolytic
• D. Antiplatelet

Answer: (C)

Dissolving a thrombus after it forms relies on fibrinolysis—breaking down the fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot. Thrombolytics activate plasmin, the enzyme that digests fibrin. By converting plasminogen to plasmin, these drugs cleave fibrin strands and fibrinogen, effectively dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow. This mechanism is why thrombolytics are used to treat existing clots. Anticoagulants, in contrast, prevent new clot formation or growth by inhibiting clotting factors and thrombin, rather than actively dissolving an already formed thrombus. Antiplatelet agents hinder platelet aggregation, reducing arterial thrombosis but not dissolving an established fibrin clot. Vasodilators can improve blood flow by widening vessels but do not affect the clot itself.

Dissolving a thrombus after it forms relies on fibrinolysis—breaking down the fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot. Thrombolytics activate plasmin, the enzyme that digests fibrin. By converting plasminogen to plasmin, these drugs cleave fibrin strands and fibrinogen, effectively dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow. This mechanism is why thrombolytics are used to treat existing clots.

Anticoagulants, in contrast, prevent new clot formation or growth by inhibiting clotting factors and thrombin, rather than actively dissolving an already formed thrombus. Antiplatelet agents hinder platelet aggregation, reducing arterial thrombosis but not dissolving an established fibrin clot. Vasodilators can improve blood flow by widening vessels but do not affect the clot itself.