title: [Ximelagatran, an oral thrombin inhibitor without the need for regular monitoring of the anticoagulant status].
abstract: In two recent clinical trials, the effectiveness of ximelagatran, an oral thrombin inhibitor, was demonstrated as anticoagulant therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and as secondary prophylaxis for patients following a myocardial infarction, respectively. This may be of relevance for the often life-long treatment of patients with anticoagulants, as with ximelagatran frequent monitoring of the anticoagulant status is not necessary, in contrast to treatment with warfarin-like drugs.
authors: Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Cardiologie, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht. r.tieleman@fys.unimaas.nl
authors: R G
authors: RG
authors: Tieleman
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D001384:Azetidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001596:Benzylamines; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013917:Thrombin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D001384:Azetidines; D001596:Benzylamines; C426686:ximelagatran; D013917:Thrombin