Review of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Guide for Effective Drug Utilization

Tigran Khachatryan, Christopher Hauschild, Jason Hoff, Tahmeed Contractor, Arthur Khachatryan, Huyentran Tran, Bert Matsuo, Alan Jacobson, Anthony Hilliard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed as a viable and in some cases superior alternative to warfarin. These agents have overcome some of the limitations of warfarin, which has a narrow therapeutic window and many food and drug interactions. DOACs have been demonstrated to have a more predictable and reliable pharmacology and, unlike warfarin, do not require frequent monitoring of anticoagulant effect. For these reasons, the use of DOACs is increasing. Despite the many positive attributes of these agents, limitations and contraindications do exist. An understanding of the pharmacology, indications, and contraindications is therefore crucial for effective patient management. We review the available agents to aid in effective drug utilization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)525-539
Number of pages15
JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs
Volume19
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2019

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

Keywords

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Antithrombins/adverse effects
  • Administration, Oral
  • Humans
  • Stroke/prevention & control
  • Anticoagulants/adverse effects
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Drug Utilization
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors/adverse effects

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