Pharmacological Review of Anticoagulants

Abstract

The art and science of anticoagulation have never gotten more complicated than it has now. Newer anticoagulants have entered the market and have provided more options to the patients and healthcare professionals. This chapter will review the basic physiology of hemostasis, pharmacology of the anticoagulants, and how these medications are used in the clinical setting. The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical evidence of use and clinical pearls, laboratory monitoring in clinical practice, and adverse effects will be examined individually for each drug considered. This chapter will serve as a review for the practicing clinician and a thorough introduction for the beginning reader.