[Apixaban: pharmacology and action profile]

Abstract

Vitamin K antagonists are currently the most frequently used anticoagulants. However, practical limitations of their application, such as variability in dose response, a narrow therapeutic index and numerous drug and dietary interactions, have lead to development of new oral anticoagulants with better efficacy and safety profile. Recent advances included the development of orally active FXa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban. Rivaroxaban received its marketing approval in September 2008. Apixaban has recently been approved for prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement. This review describes the pharmacological properties of apixaban and discusses the latest findings from clinical trials.