Small molecule
PubChem CID 10182969
Apixaban
Eliquis
- Mechanism of action
- Factor Xa inhibitor
- In plain language
- Blocks a key clotting protein in the blood so clots are less likely to form.
- How it works
- Apixaban is a direct, selective inhibitor of Factor Xa that binds the active site of both free and clot-bound Factor Xa without requiring antithrombin III as a cofactor. By inhibiting Factor Xa, it blocks the prothrombinase complex and interrupts the coagulation cascade, preventing the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. The resulting drop in thrombin generation reduces thrombin-induced platelet activation and fibrin clot formation, though apixaban has no direct effect on platelet aggregation itself. This targeted disruption of the coagulation cascade lowers the risk of pathological clot formation while leaving normal hemostatic capacity partially intact at therapeutic doses.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), following hip or knee replacement surgery; for the treatment of DVT and PE; and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial anticoagulant therapy.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Anticoagulant
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