Anticoagulants are commonly used medications to prevent the formation of blood clots. Synonyms for anticoagulants include blood thinners, antiplatelet agents, and antithrombotics. Blood thinners reduce the ability of the blood to clot and are commonly used to prevent blood clots. Antiplatelet agents prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Antithrombotics are a class of drugs that prevent the formation of thrombus, or blood clot, by inhibiting coagulation. Other synonyms for anticoagulants include fibrinolytics, heparins, coumarins, and direct oral anticoagulants. These medications are used to treat a wide range of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and stroke.