Navigating the Principles and Practice of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: A Comprehensive Healthcare Guide

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 76 82
    By

    Julliyan Dilleban,

  • Venkateshan Narayanan,

  • Deephiha E,

  • Balakrishnan K,

  • Bhavani Suba Niranjana M,

  • Thenraja S,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Arulmigu Kalsalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Arulmigu Kalsalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Oral anticoagulant therapy plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and mechanical heart valve replacement. This research article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practice of oral anticoagulant therapy, focusing on the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, monitoring, and management of associated complications. The cornerstone of oral anticoagulant therapy includes vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) including dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. VKAs exert their anticoagulant effects by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, while DOACs directly target specific coagulation factors, offering more predictable pharmacokinetics and fewer drug interactions compared to VKAs. Clinical indications for oral anticoagulant therapy vary depending on the underlying thromboembolic disorder. For instance, in patients with AF, anticoagulation is recommended to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, with risk stratification guided by scoring systems, such as CHA2DS2-VASc. Similarly, in patients with VTE, oral anticoagulants are used for both acute treatment and long-term prevention of recurrence, with the choice of agent influenced by factors, such as renal function and bleeding risk.

Keywords: Vitamin K antagonists, Clinical indications, Warfarin, Atrial fibrillation, Pregnancy, Special population.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology ]

How to cite this article:
Julliyan Dilleban, Venkateshan Narayanan, Deephiha E, Balakrishnan K, Bhavani Suba Niranjana M, Thenraja S. Navigating the Principles and Practice of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: A Comprehensive Healthcare Guide. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2025; 15(01):76-82.
How to cite this URL:
Julliyan Dilleban, Venkateshan Narayanan, Deephiha E, Balakrishnan K, Bhavani Suba Niranjana M, Thenraja S. Navigating the Principles and Practice of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: A Comprehensive Healthcare Guide. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2025; 15(01):76-82. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjop/article=2025/view=208612


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 22/02/2025
Accepted 03/03/2025
Published 12/03/2025
Publication Time 18 Days
299

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