Which class dissolves an existing thrombus when administered soon after its occurrence?

Which class dissolves an existing thrombus when administered soon after its occurrence?

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

Answer: (D)

Thrombolytic therapy dissolves an existing thrombus by activating plasmin, the enzyme responsible for breaking down clotted fibrin. When given soon after a clot forms, thrombolytics convert plasminogen into plasmin, which digests the fibrin mesh and restores blood flow. This approach is used acutely in conditions like heart attack or ischemic stroke where rapid clot dissolution can limit tissue damage. Anticoagulants, by contrast, prevent new clots or clot extension by inhibiting the coagulation cascade but don’t rapidly dissolve an existing clot. Antiplatelet drugs reduce platelet aggregation to prevent arterial clot formation but aren’t intended to dissolve a current thrombus. Vasodilators simply widen vessels and do not affect clot dissolution. Common agents include tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase, and urokinase. The main advantage of thrombolytics is quick clot breakdown when given early, though they carry a notable risk of bleeding.

Thrombolytic therapy dissolves an existing thrombus by activating plasmin, the enzyme responsible for breaking down clotted fibrin. When given soon after a clot forms, thrombolytics convert plasminogen into plasmin, which digests the fibrin mesh and restores blood flow. This approach is used acutely in conditions like heart attack or ischemic stroke where rapid clot dissolution can limit tissue damage. Anticoagulants, by contrast, prevent new clots or clot extension by inhibiting the coagulation cascade but don’t rapidly dissolve an existing clot. Antiplatelet drugs reduce platelet aggregation to prevent arterial clot formation but aren’t intended to dissolve a current thrombus. Vasodilators simply widen vessels and do not affect clot dissolution. Common agents include tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase, and urokinase. The main advantage of thrombolytics is quick clot breakdown when given early, though they carry a notable risk of bleeding.