Dabigatran: a new anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Ischemic stroke is arguably the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation. While warfarin has been the most effective pharmacologic treatment for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, several limitations have led to its underutilization. Recently, dabigatran (Pradaxa), a new oral anticoagulant with several potential advantages over warfarin (Coumadin), became available for use in the United States for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, USA. weachterr@health.missouri.edu
Richard
R
Weachter
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069604:Dabigatran; D006801:Humans; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D011725:Pyridines; D000069604:Dabigatran