Factor Xa inhibitor drugs

Factor Xa inhibitor drugs

Factor Xa inhibitor drugs are used to prevent DVT in patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement surgery or surgery to repair a hip fracture. The only factor Xa inhibitor drug used in the United States is fondaparinux.

Pharmacokinetics

Administered subQ, fondaparinux is absorbed rapidly and completely and is excreted primarily unchanged in urine. Its effects peak within 2 hours of administration and last for about 17 to 24 hours.

Pharmacodynamics

Fondaparinux binds to antithrombin III and greatly influences the neutralization of factor Xa by antithrombin III. Neutralization of factor Xa interrupts the coagulation cascade, thereby inhibiting clot formation.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Fondaparinux is used only to prevent the formation of blood clots.

Drug interactions

Avoid administering fondaparinux with another drug that may increase the risk of bleeding. 

Warning!

Adverse reactions to factor Xa inhibitors

Adverse reactions that can occur with factor Xa inhibitor therapy include:

• bleeding
• nausea
• anemia
• fever
• rash
• constipation
• edema.