title: Pharmacology of anticoagulants used in the treatment of venous thromboembolism.
abstract: Anticoagulant drugs are the foundation of therapy for patients with VTE. While effective therapeutic agents, anticoagulants can also result in hemorrhage and other side effects. Thus, anticoagulant therapy selection should be guided by the risks, benefits and pharmacologic characteristics of each agent for each patient. Safe use of anticoagulants requires not only an in-depth knowledge of their pharmacologic properties but also a comprehensive approach to patient management and education. This paper will summarize the key pharmacologic properties of the anticoagulant agents used in the treatment of patients with VTE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Systems Outcomes and Policy and Center for Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. enutescu@uic.edu.
authors.forename: Edith A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Nutescu
authors.affiliation: Inpatient Antithrombosis Services, University of New Mexico Hospital, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burnett
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fanikos
authors.affiliation: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spinler
authors.affiliation: University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wittkowsky
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants
keywords: Anticoagulants; Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC); Heparins; Mechanism of action; Pharmacology; Warfarin