Dabigatran : A Novel Oral Anticoagulant

Abstract

In this issue we shall discuss about the Anti IIa (antithrombin) agent that has become available in India recently- Dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim). Dabigatran is recommended by most cardiology societies as a useful alternative to warfarin to prevent stroke and blood clots in patients with either paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation, who do not have a prosthetic heart valve, significant heart valve disease, severe renal failure or advanced liver disease. Dabigatran has also been shown to be useful in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after orthopaedic surgery and is non-inferior to warfarin in the extended treatment of deep vein thrombosis.