Basic Science and Pathophysiology

Anticoagulants inhibit the clotting cascade and can be categorised into the following:

• Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) inhibit the synthesis of Vitamin K dependant clotting factors II, VII, IX, X, Protein C and S:
  • Coumarins (warfarin)

• Indirect thrombin inhibitors:
  • Heparin (unfractionated heparin-UFH)
  • Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH):
    • Dalteparin
    • Tinzaparin
    • Enoxaparin
  • Factor Xa inhibitors:
    • Fondaparinux
    • Rivaroxaban

• Direct thrombin inhibitors bind directly to thrombin and block its interaction with its substrates.
  • Dabigatran