title: Oral anticoagulant therapy. Newer indications and an improved method of monitoring.
abstract: Oral anticoagulants remain time-tested therapeutic agents. A number of new indications for use of these drugs have recently emerged, especially nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. New information on the factors associated with adverse reactions to oral anticoagulants is available, along with improved knowledge on how to evaluate and treat such complications. A major advance in the safer use of these drugs in North America will accompany increased application of the International Normalized Ratio in reporting prothrombin time.
authors.affiliation: Island Medical Laboratories, Victoria, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Brigden
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin