The evolution of oral anticoagulant therapy
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Updated: May 14, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Christopher Dittus1, Jack Ansell
1Department of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, 100 East 77th Street, New York, NY 10075, USA. cdittus@nshs.edu
Abstract:
Before the advent of oral, targeted anticoagulants, physicians had no choice regarding the type of oral anticoagulant prescribed, as every patient received warfarin. The new oral direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors give the prescribing physician, as well as the patient, greater choice. Variation in dosing, half-life, elimination, monitoring, and reversal will help the clinician decide on the appropriate anticoagulant for the appropriate patient. Rather than replace warfarin, each anticoagulant will now have a particular niche, and the decision of which agent to prescribe will be determined at the bedside.
Insights
New oral anticoagulants offer greater patient and physician choice beyond warfarin. Factors like dosing and reversal guide selection for personalized anticoagulant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Historically, warfarin was the sole oral anticoagulant option.
- Limited choices impacted personalized patient treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare new oral anticoagulants with warfarin.
- To highlight factors influencing anticoagulant selection.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
- Analysis of clinical data on dosing, half-life, elimination, monitoring, and reversal.
Main Results:
- New oral direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors provide diverse options.
- Variations in drug profiles allow for tailored therapeutic decisions.
Conclusions:
- New oral anticoagulants complement warfarin, each serving specific clinical niches.
- Bedside clinical judgment is crucial for selecting the optimal anticoagulant for individual patients.
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