Anticoagulants

Which anticoagulant is also recognised by the brand name Xarelto?

• Apixaban

• Rivaroxaban

• Dabigatran

• Edoxaban

Answer explanation

Rivaroxaban

Only the branded version available

Will be available as a generic from 2024

Which of the following would be the target INR range for the use of warfarin in non-valvular AF?

• 1.5-2.5

• 2-3

• 2.5-3.5

• 3-4

Which of the following is a direct thrombin inhibitor?

• Rivaroxaban

• Edoxaban

• Apixaban

• Dabigatran

Answer explanation

Dabigatran = direct thrombin inhibitor

Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban and Apixaban = factor Xa inhibitors

Which of the following anticoagulants should be taken with food?

(When taken without food absorption can be reduced by up to 40%)

• Rivaroxaban

• Apixaban

• Edoxaban

• Dabigatran

Answer explanation

The dose should be taken immediately before food. If taken under fasted conditions, this can reduce the absorption of rivaroxaban by up to 40%

Which of the following anticoagulants is contraindicated in pregnancy?

(There may be more than one correct answer)

• Warfarin

• Rivaroxaban

• Apixaban

• Edoxaban

• Dabigatran

Answer explanation

All of the above!

What would you use in pregnancy?

Which of the following anticoagulants can be used in valvular AF?

• Warfarin

• Rivaroxaban

• Apixaban

• Edoxaban

• Dabigatran

Answer explanation

Warfarin is the only oral anticoagulant licensed for use in valvular AF

Valvular AF = patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis or prosthetic heart valves

The doctor wants to prescribed apixaban for a female patient with non-valvular-AF, what dose should they prescribe?

Weight: 60kg, age: 83 years, creatinine 60, estimated creatinine clearance 59ml/min.

• 2.5mg BD

• 5mg OD

• 5mg BD

• 10mg OD

Answer explanation

Weight: 60kg, age: 83 years, creatinine 60, estimated creatinine clearance 59ml/min

ANSWER: 2.5mg BD

Dose reduce from 5mg BD if a patient has two or more of the following characteristics: age >80 years, body-weight <61kg or serum creatinine 133micromol/L and over.

Which of the following medications require dose reduction with concomitant amiodarone or verapamil?

• Rivaroxaban

• Apixaban

• Edoxaban

• Dabigatran

Answer explanation

See BNF monograph for dosing adjustments