Anticoagulants are pharmaceutical agents that help prevent blood clot formation, reducing the risk of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. These medications work by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood, with common types including warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and heparin. Anticoagulants are essential in managing patients with certain heart conditions, after surgeries, or those at high risk for clotting disorders. Proper monitoring and dosage adjustments are crucial to ensure effectiveness while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.