title: Ximelagatran in prevention of cardiovascular events.
abstract: Ximelagatran (Exanta (R) is the first oral anticoagulant in a new class of drugs called direct thrombin inhibitors. Two studies suggest that ximelagatran is at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in high risk patients with atrial fibrillation. Ximelagatran may also reduce the rate of major cardiovascular events after a myocardial infarction, compared to placebo. Ximelagatran does not require dose adjustments or routine blood monitoring. As with warfarin, bleeding risks increase with higher doses of ximelagatran. There is, however, no specific antidote to help manage bleeding. The safety of ximelagatran will not be fully known without further evaluation and surveillance for potential liver toxicity and drug interactions.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Molckovsky
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boucher
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D001384:Azetidines; D014859:Warfarin