Medication for Mesenteric Ischemia

NYU Langone specialists may prescribe medication to treat people with mesenteric ischemia. Medications can help manage blood clots and symptoms caused by a blockage, such as intestinal inflammation.

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Sometimes, these medications are used during surgery to dissolve clots. Other times, they are used to prevent blood clots from forming after treatment.

Thrombolytics

Some dangerous blood clots require fast-acting, clot-busting medications called thrombolytics. These medications help restart blood flow to prevent damage to the intestines in people with acute mesenteric ischemia

Because thrombolytics can cause severe bleeding, they are usually only given to people with life-threatening symptoms.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are used to prevent blood clots from forming after surgery to treat mesenteric ischemia. Because these medications can cause bleeding, your doctor monitors you closely using regular blood tests.

Vasodilators

Vasodilators relax the arteries, helping to prevent them from narrowing. This helps increase blood and oxygen flow to the intestines. Side effects can include rapid heartbeat and chest pain.

Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. In people with mesenteric ischemia, infections may occur as a result of gangrene, which is cell death in the bowel.

Our Research and Education in Mesenteric Ischemia

Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities.