Control of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Managing patients with acute thrombotic disorders.

Indications for using standard anticoagulants, heparin and warfarin; the dosage and route of administration; the importance of monitoring therapy with reliable laboratory indices; and complications of therapy are discussed. Acetylsalicylic acid and ticlopidine can be used as antiplatelet agents. Because their effect on platelet function is not monitored clinically, their clinical indications are emphasized.