Med. praxi. 2011;8(4):160-163

Novel antithrombotic drugs

MUDr.Petr Kessler

Odd. hematologie a transfuziologie, Nemocnice Pelhřimov

Antithrombotic drugs used in the arterial bed are mainly represented by antiplatelet agents, most commonly acetylsalicylic acid and

clopidogrel, which are often administered in combination in at-risk patients. In the prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease (TED), lowmolecular-

weight heparins are predominantly used. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are novel agents so far approved to be used as prophylaxis

of TED following hip and knee replacement. Their advantages include the possibility of oral administration, a wide therapeutic window

and, thus, no need for laboratory monitoring; the absence of an antidote is a limitation. Interactions with other drugs are not common

but one has to be familiar with their risk as they may be potentially hazardous. Both drugs are also a perspective alternative to warfarin

in the treatment of TED and the prophylaxis of thrombotic events in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation; however, they have

not yet been approved for these indications in the Czech Republic.

Keywords: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, thromboprophylaxis

Published: May 1, 2011  Show citation