LESSON 5
DRUGS ACTING ON THE HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM
Section I. DEFINITIONS
5-1. INTRODUCTION
The word hematopoietic means, "blood producing." Therefore, drugs acting on
the hematopoietic system would pertain to drugs that act on the blood producing system
of the body. As you might expect, these drugs are potentially dangerous because they
can affect blood production in the body.
5-2. DEFINITIONS
a. Coagulant. A coagulant is a drug that stimulates the clotting of the blood.
Coagulants can be of great aid in an emergency in which the patient may be losing a
large volume of blood.
b. Anticoagulant. An anticoagulant is a drug that prevents the clotting of the
blood. Anticoagulants are used in various types of surgery as well as in everyday use in
order to control blood clots.
c. Hematinic. A hematinic is a drug that stimulates the formation of red blood
cells. Hematinics are used in the treatment of anemias.
d. Stimulating Factors. A stimulating factor is an agent that stimulates the
formation of specific blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets).
Section II. COAGULANTS
5-3. REVIEW OF THE CLOTTING PROCESS (FIGURE 5-1)
The area of blood clotting was discussed in paragraphs 2-7 and 2-8 of this
subcourse. The actual clotting of blood involves several steps. Each step is essential
to clotting.
STEP 1:
The blood platelets release a substance that is known as
thromboplastin.
MD0806
5-3