Abstract
Besides older anticoagulants, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) fondaparinux, and warfarin, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) - direct factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban) and a direct thrombin inhibitor (dabigratan etexilate) - are now starting to be used. However, their indication and dosages will be more dependent on individual patient characteristics, their age, bleeding tendency, level of kidney and liver function, interactions with other drugs, etc,