Haematological (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 1

• Dabigatran

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 2

• Direct thrombin inhibitor; prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
• This prevents thrombus formation.

Question 3

Indications (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 3

• Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (especially post-operative)
• Thromboprophylaxis in non-valvular AF

Question 4

Side effects (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 4

• Bleeding

- Dyspepsia

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 5

• Rapid onset of action
• No food / few drug interactions (not metabolised via CYP 450)
• No need for therapeutic monitoring
• Currently no available antidote

Question 6

Patient (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors)

Answer 6

• Risk of bleeding