pig valve maintenance - plavix or cuamadin

Hello and welcome to e health forum.

No Plavix and Coumadin, have different actions and needs.

Coagulation is a complex process by which blood forms clots.
Post injury, exposure of the blood to tissue proteins, initiates activation of the blood platelets and coagulation protiens (fibrinogen).

Activated Platelets immediately form a plug at the site of injury; this is called primary hemostasis.

Activation of clotting factors in a complex cascade and formation of a fibrin strands (from fibrinogen), which strenthen the primary clot formed by platelets. This is Secondary hemostasis.

Plavix (Clopidogrel) is a anti-platelet agent, which prevents platelet activation, and formation of a primary clot.

Coumadin is a anti-coagulant, and prevents formation of fibrin strands and prevents secondary hemostasis.

The indications for both the drugs are different, and hence they cannot be subsituted for each other.

I Hope this answers your questions.

In case of any doubts, you may consult with your treating doctor for proper advice.