European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

BASIC PHARMACOLOGY OF NEW ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS AND ITS CLINICAL PROFILE: AN INCISIVE REVIEW

Hanan Hassen Elsumdi* 

ABSTRACT

The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are the non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, which are relatively newer in the market. They include oral direct thrombin and factor X inhibitors. The approved indications are stroke prevention, treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism, and coronary artery disease treatment. Although, recent studies have showed that the NOACs have better safety profile, convenient to administer, and less food and drug interactions compared to current oral anticoagulants. Clinicians prefer to prescribe traditional oral anticoagulants such as warfarin in the clinical setting. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the pharmacological properties of DOACs, efficacy and safety profile, laboratory-monitoring tests, and current reversal agents, focusing on the latest evidence from the subclinical and clinical trials.

Keywords: Direct oral anticoagulants, pharmacotherapy, reversal agents.