The role of pharmacologic agents in blood conservation.
Pharmacologic agents are welcome therapeutic weapons in the fight to conserve blood. The goals of drug therapy cross a broad spectrum of potential areas. Blood-conserving pharmacologic agents are aimed at 1) increasing blood production, 2) decreasing blood loss during active bleeding, and 3) preventing the breakdown of the formed fibrin clots. In this article, the author reviews the mechanisms of action, dosing, and adverse effects of these agents. The role of pharmacologic agents in blood conservation is significant because these agents have been shown to decrease transfusion requirements and provide significant cost savings.
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D003029:Coagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003029:Coagulants; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents