Current vascular pharmacology
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Curr Vasc Pharmacol · Jan 2010
Review Comparative StudyFactor Xa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes and venous thromboembolism.
As an alternative to the inconvenient and labor intensive traditional anticoagulants, Factor Xa inhibitors may offer new options for the prevention and treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Fondaparinux, an indirect FXa inhibitor, has equivalent efficacy but decreased bleeding risk. It has been recommended by the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) as the preferred anticoagulant in ACS patients with higher bleeding risk managed with a noninvasive strategy. ⋯ With advantages such as oral administration and a wide therapeutic window, it may provide a useful alternative to current anticoagulants. Ongoing studies are exploring its use in treatment of VTE and ACS, as well as prevention of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation. In this review, we examine the key recent studies on efficacy and safety of FXa inhibitors in ACS and VTE management.
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Curr Vasc Pharmacol · Jan 2010
Review Comparative StudyEmerging P2Y12 receptor antagonists: role in coronary artery disease.
The use of oral antiplatelet therapy in reducing vascular events has been extensively studied. Currently available oral antiplatelet agents include aspirin and the thienopyridine P2Y12 receptor antagonists. These classes are combined frequently in the setting of acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Cangrelor is being developed as an intravenous P2Y12 antagonist with a very fast onset and offset, which may offer advantages particularly in the setting of coronary intervention. These emerging antiplatelet agents may offer advantages such as faster onset of action, greater potency and reversibility of platelet inhibition. This article summarizes the available clinical data on the upcoming P2Y12 antiplatelet agents in the treatment of coronary artery disease.