What are the commonly used anticoagulant drugs?

Sep 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

In general, commonly used clinical anticoagulant medications include warfarin sodium tablets, dabigatran etexilate capsules, rivaroxaban tablets, apixaban tablets, and fondaparinux sodium injection. When taking anticoagulant drugs, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions; do not adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication on your own. During treatment, monitor carefully for any signs of bleeding, such as skin bruising, gum bleeding, or nosebleeds.

Generally, commonly used clinical anticoagulant drugs include warfarin sodium tablets, dabigatran etexilate capsules, rivaroxaban tablets, apixaban tablets, and fondaparinux sodium injection. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Warfarin Sodium Tablets

Warfarin sodium inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby reducing blood coagulation capacity. It is commonly used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as for thrombosis prevention after mechanical heart valve replacement. Regular monitoring of coagulation function is required to adjust dosage appropriately.

2. Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules

Dabigatran etexilate is converted into its active form in the body and directly inhibits thrombin activity, blocking the final step of the coagulation cascade. It is indicated for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, as well as for the treatment of DVT and PE. Routine coagulation monitoring is not required.

3. Rivaroxaban Tablets

Rivaroxaban selectively inhibits factor Xa, reducing thrombin generation. It can be used to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after knee or hip replacement surgery, to treat DVT and PE, and to prevent thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It is convenient to take and does not require frequent monitoring of coagulation parameters.

4. Apixaban Tablets

Apixaban is a potent and highly selective factor Xa inhibitor that prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by inhibiting factor Xa activity. It is indicated for the prevention of VTE following elective knee or hip replacement surgery in adults, and can also be used to treat DVT and PE. It has a favorable safety profile with a relatively low risk of bleeding.

5. Fondaparinux Sodium Injection

Fondaparinux sodium binds specifically to antithrombin III, leading to selective inhibition of factor Xa. It is primarily used to prevent venous thrombosis following major orthopedic surgeries, and can also be used in the treatment of acute DVT and PE. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and has minimal drug interactions.

When using anticoagulant medications, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions—do not adjust the dose or discontinue the medication without guidance. During treatment, monitor for signs of bleeding such as skin bruising, gum bleeding, or nosebleeds. Avoid strenuous physical activity and trauma, and inform your doctor about all other medications currently being used to prevent potential drug interactions that could affect efficacy or increase risks.

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Does antiphospholipid syndrome require lifelong medication?

In general, whether patients with antiphospholipid syndrome require lifelong medication depends on the individual clinical condition. Patients have antiphospholipid antibodies in their bodies, which may trigger a series of complications such as thrombosis and pathological pregnancy. They may also experience symptoms such as swelling and pain in the lower limbs. Therefore, long-term use of anticoagulant drugs is often necessary.