Which medicine is a direct oral anticoagulant used for treatment of DVT/PE?

Which medicine is a direct oral anticoagulant used for treatment of DVT/PE?

• A. Warfarin
• B. Heparin
• C. Apixaban
• D. Enoxaparin

Answer: (C)

Direct oral anticoagulants are taken by mouth and directly inhibit a component of the coagulation cascade, making them convenient options for treating DVT and PE. Among the choices, apixaban fits this description: it is a direct oral anticoagulant that inhibits factor Xa and is approved for treatment of DVT and PE. Warfarin is also oral but works as a vitamin K antagonist and requires regular INR monitoring and dose adjustments, so it’s not a DOAC. Heparin and enoxaparin are parenteral anticoagulants (injected) used chiefly in the acute setting or for bridging, not taken orally.

Direct oral anticoagulants are taken by mouth and directly inhibit a component of the coagulation cascade, making them convenient options for treating DVT and PE. Among the choices, apixaban fits this description: it is a direct oral anticoagulant that inhibits factor Xa and is approved for treatment of DVT and PE. Warfarin is also oral but works as a vitamin K antagonist and requires regular INR monitoring and dose adjustments, so it’s not a DOAC. Heparin and enoxaparin are parenteral anticoagulants (injected) used chiefly in the acute setting or for bridging, not taken orally.