Dabigatran etexilate

Dabigatran Etexilate

Dabigatran etexilate (pronounced da-bi-ga-tran e-tex-i-late) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Etymology

The name "Dabigatran" is derived from its chemical structure, while "etexilate" refers to the prodrug form that is converted in the body to the active drug, dabigatran.

Pharmacology

Dabigatran etexilate is a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by binding to thrombin and preventing it from converting fibrinogen to fibrin, a key step in the coagulation cascade. This prevents the formation of blood clots.

Usage

Dabigatran etexilate is taken orally. It is used in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dabigatran etexilate include bleeding, gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, and an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome.

Related Terms

• Anticoagulant
• Stroke
• Atrial fibrillation
• Venous thromboembolism
• Thrombin
• Fibrinogen
• Fibrin
• Coagulation cascade
• Blood clot
• Prodrug
• Dyspepsia
• Acute coronary syndrome

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dabigatran etexilate
• Wikipedia's article - Dabigatran etexilate

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