Respiratory
Medicines for Pulmonary embolism (PE)
A blood clot that has travelled to the lungs, blocking blood flow — a potentially life-threatening emergency, usually treated with anticoagulants.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot — usually one that has broken off from a deep vein thrombosis in the leg — travels through the circulation and lodges in the arteries of the lungs. This blocks blood flow, straining the heart and reducing oxygen levels.
- How it is treated: A PE is treated urgently with anticoagulation to stop further clotting and allow the body to break down the clot.
- Self-care: The same measures that reduce clot risk help: staying active and mobile, moving on long journeys, staying hydrated and not smoking.
- When to seek help: Call 999 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain worse on breathing in, coughing up blood, a racing heart or collapse — a pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency.
What it is
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot — usually one that has broken off from a deep vein thrombosis in the leg — travels through the circulation and lodges in the arteries of the lungs. This blocks blood flow, straining the heart and reducing oxygen levels. Symptoms include sudden breathlessness, chest pain that is often worse on breathing in, a rapid heartbeat and sometimes coughing up blood or collapse. A large PE can be rapidly life-threatening. Diagnosis uses clinical assessment, a D-dimer blood test and imaging such as a CT pulmonary angiogram.
How it is treated
A PE is treated urgently with anticoagulation to stop further clotting and allow the body to break down the clot. Most people are treated with anticoagulants for at least several months, sometimes longer depending on the cause and risk of recurrence. A large, life-threatening PE with a failing circulation may need emergency clot-busting treatment or other hospital procedures. As with DVT, the cause is considered and, where a clot is unprovoked, further assessment may follow.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
By active ingredient
Specific medicines used for Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Dose-free guides to individual active ingredients used in pulmonary embolism (pe) — what each is, how it works, how to take it, and its advantages and disadvantages:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
The same measures that reduce clot risk help: staying active and mobile, moving on long journeys, staying hydrated and not smoking. After a PE, following the anticoagulant plan and attending reviews is essential.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Call 999 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain worse on breathing in, coughing up blood, a racing heart or collapse — a pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Pulmonary embolism (PE): frequently asked questions
What causes a pulmonary embolism?
Most are caused by a clot that formed in a deep leg vein (a DVT) breaking off and travelling to the lungs.
Is a pulmonary embolism an emergency?
Yes. It can be life-threatening, so sudden breathlessness or chest pain worse on breathing in needs emergency care — call 999.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG158 — Venous thromboembolic diseases
- NHS — Pulmonary embolism
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