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Ximelagatran: Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics
Author(s) -
Dobesh Paul P.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.24.15.169s.43160
Subject(s) - ximelagatran , warfarin , medicine , therapeutic window , pharmacodynamics , intensive care medicine , anticoagulant , pharmacokinetics , drug , therapeutic index , pharmacology , atrial fibrillation , dabigatran
Thromboembolism is the largest cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world, yet oral anticoagulation is currently available only with vitamin K antagonists—most often, warfarin. Warfarin has been used for treatment of thrombotic disease for about 50 years. However, despite its widespread use, it is associated with several limitations, such as varied patient response, a narrow therapeutic window, numerous drug and food interactions, and need for frequent therapeutic monitoring. In addition, its full anticoagulant effect usually takes at least 4–5 days after the start of therapy or any dosage change, and it has a slow offset of therapy. A new oral anticoagulant, ximelagatran, has considerable advantages compared with warfarin. The agent requires no therapeutic monitoring, has a wide therapeutic window, and is not known to interact with food or drugs. The advantages ximelagatran brings to clinical practice should be a welcome addition to the options for management of thrombotic disease.