From: Virtual Journal Club
Dabigatran etexilate, a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor, for
stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Expert Opin
Pharmacother. 2010 Jun;11(8):1403-11 Authors: Siddiqui FM, Qureshi
AI IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Warfarin is the only oral anticoagulant
recommended for the prevention of ischemic stroke in atrial
fibrillation. A newer and safer anticoagulant is needed because of
increased hemorrhagic risks with warfarin, difficult-to-maintain
therapeutic levels, and higher drug to drug and food interactions.
AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: Dabigatran etexilate is a new,
effective, reversible, rapid-acting, oral direct inhibitor of
thrombin. This review focuses on the results of major Phase II and
III trials conducted to evaluate the use of dabiga...
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