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Review
. 2016 Jan;41(1):15-31.
doi: 10.1007/s11239-015-1314-3.

Pharmacology of anticoagulants used in the treatment of venous thromboembolism

Edith A Nutescu  1 , Allison Burnett  2 , John Fanikos  3 , Sarah Spinler  4 , Ann Wittkowsky  5
Affiliations
Review

Pharmacology of anticoagulants used in the treatment of venous thromboembolism

Edith A Nutescu et al. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2016 Jan.

Erratum in

Abstract

Anticoagulant drugs are the foundation of therapy for patients with VTE. While effective therapeutic agents, anticoagulants can also result in hemorrhage and other side effects. Thus, anticoagulant therapy selection should be guided by the risks, benefits and pharmacologic characteristics of each agent for each patient. Safe use of anticoagulants requires not only an in-depth knowledge of their pharmacologic properties but also a comprehensive approach to patient management and education. This paper will summarize the key pharmacologic properties of the anticoagulant agents used in the treatment of patients with VTE.

Keywords: Anticoagulants; Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC); Heparins; Mechanism of action; Pharmacology; Warfarin.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mechanism of action of heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and pentasaccharide (fondaparinux)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Pharmacology and mechanism of action of warfarin
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mechanism of action of the direct oral anticoagulants. Reprinted with permission from: J Thromb Haemost 2005;3:1843–53
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Routes of absorption, metabolism and elimination of the direct oral anticoagulants. Reprinted with permission from [88]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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