Direct thrombin inhibitors

Question 1

Generic drug name
Direct thrombin inhibitors

Answer 1

Bivalirudin
Dabigatran

Question 2

MOA
Direct thrombin inhibitors

Answer 2

Reversibly inhibit both free and fibrin-bound thrombin, preventing conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, **preventing thrombus formation. **

Question 3

Precautions
Direct thrombin inhibitors

Answer 3

Risk of bleeding

Question 4

Adverse effects
Direct thrombin inhibitors

Answer 4

Bleeding, in particular from puncture sites and wounds, and signs of bleeding (eg anaemia) are common.

Question 5

Drug class and indication

Bivalirudin

Answer 5

Anticoagulant - direct thrombin inhibitor
Moderate-to-high risk unstable angina and **non-ST-segment elevation MI **(NSTEACS) undergoing early invasive management, including PCI

Question 6

Drug class and indication

Dabigatran

Answer 6

Anticoagulant - direct thrombin inhibitor
Prevention of VTE
Treatment of acute VTE