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Update on pharmacologic therapy for pulmonary embolism
Prakash Harikrishnan1, Chandrasekar Palaniswamy, Wilbert S Aronow
11Cardiology Division, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|November 2, 2013
Summary
This review covers anticoagulant drugs like warfarin and heparin for treating pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism. Newer oral anticoagulants offer alternative long-term treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Anticoagulant therapies are crucial for managing thromboembolic disorders.
- Traditional anticoagulants include warfarin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), and low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs).
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment options have expanded with new drug classes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of anticoagulant medications.
- To discuss the clinical application of these drugs in various scenarios.
- To review evidence supporting their use and guide therapy duration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anticoagulant drugs.
- Analysis of clinical data for approved VTE treatments.
- Synthesis of recommendations for anticoagulant therapy duration.
Main Results:
- Established anticoagulants (warfarin, UFH, LMWHs) are used for pulmonary embolism.
- Approved VTE drugs include UFH, enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, warfarin, and rivaroxaban.
- Newer oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban) provide alternative long-term options.
Conclusions:
- A range of anticoagulant options exists for VTE and pulmonary embolism.
- Newer oral agents offer convenient alternatives for long-term anticoagulation.
- Understanding drug profiles and clinical data is essential for optimal patient management.
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