Fondaparinux.
Fondaparinux is the first drug from the pentassaccharide factor X inhibitor class of anticoagulants to be approved for clinical use. It has been shown to be effective in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery of the lower limbs. The drug is also being evaluated for use in the acute coronary syndromes and established thromoboembolic events. The pharmacology of fondaparinux is discussed in this review, as well as the major clinical trials involving this drug. Arguments for (and against) the use of this drug are also summarised.
Tan
Kiat T
KT
Haemostasis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Unit, University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham B18 7QH, England UK.
Lip
Gregory Y H
GY
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D005170:Factor X / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants; D011134:Polysaccharides; D005170:Factor X; D000077425:Fondaparinux