Dabigatran: A new oral anticoagulant

Abstract

Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), has been approved as a new orally administrated anticoagulant in many countries including Thailand. Food and drug administration (FDA) Thailand has approved 75, 110 and 150 mg of dabigatran since 2009 for prevention of stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in atrial fibrillation (AF), orthopedic surgery as well as treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Dentists may encounter patients who receive dabigatran therapy. Although tooth extractions are minor surgery done at outpatient unit, patients with high risk of hemorrhage must be carefully assessed with proper dental management. This article describes pharmacological properties of dabigatran including discovery, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical trials, and adverse effects. In addition, the suggestion for dental management of patients being treated with dabigatran has been stated.