title: Ximelagatran for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.
abstract: Ximelagatran (Exanta (TM)) is the first oral agent in a new class of anticoagulants called direct thrombin inhibitors. Most of the available evidence regarding venous thromboembolism is from studies focusing on its prevention after major orthopedic surgery. Ximelagatran's efficacy is comparable to that of warfarin and low-molecular-weight heparin in this setting. The rates of bleeding complications for ximelagatran and its comparators were not statistically different. The elevation of liver enzymes was observed in longer term trials.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boucher
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017277:Drug Approval; D005060:Europe; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D001384:Azetidines; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D014859:Warfarin