Anticoagulation

The deliberate pharmacologic inhibition of the coagulation cascade to hinder intravascular thrombus formation and propagation, primarily through systemic administration of anticoagulant agents for prophylaxis or treatment of thromboembolic disease.

• Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs / NOACs):

  • Factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban)

    • Antidote: Andexanet alfa, 4F-PCC

  • Direct thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran)

    • Antidote: Idarucizumab

• Vitamin K Antagonists (Warfarin):

  • Requires regular blood testing (INR monitoring)

  • Antidote: Vitamin K, 4F-PCC

• Heparins and derivatives:

  • Unfractionated Heparin

  • Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWH)

  • Enhances antithrombin III to block clotting factors

  • Antidote: Protamine sulfate