Dabigaat

Dabigaat is a novel oral anticoagulant medication. Its active ingredient is dabigatran etexilate, which is a prodrug that is converted in the body to dabigatran. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor, meaning it blocks the activity of thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By inhibiting thrombin, dabigatran reduces the formation of blood clots.

Dabigaat is prescribed to prevent strokes and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE. The medication is taken orally, typically twice a day, with or without food. The dosage is adjusted based on kidney function.

The development of dabigaat represented a significant advancement in anticoagulant therapy, offering an alternative to warfarin, which requires frequent monitoring and dietary restrictions. Like all anticoagulants, dabigaat carries a risk of bleeding, and patients are advised to report any signs of unusual bleeding or bruising to their healthcare provider. Monitoring for kidney function is also important during treatment. Dabigaat is available under various brand names globally.