Warfarin, the traditional anticoagulant, has drawbacks such as narrow therapeutic range and frequent monitoring. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC) address these limitations. DOACs directly inhibit clotting factors, unlike warfarin which indirectly inhibits them. They are preferred due to easier administration, fewer interactions, and superior efficacy. Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are the available DOACs, each with unique attributes and considerations for administration and interactions.
Tag Archives: nutrition
Anion Gap & Neutrality: Filling in the Knowledge Gap
The anion gap is a calculation that measures the balance of select negative and positive charges (anion and cations respectively) in plasma. Anion gap is critical for the assessment of acid -base disorders which is an umbrella diagnosis that has many causes including renal failure, toxicities, sepsis and diabetic ketoacidosis. Though the name suggests thereContinue reading “Anion Gap & Neutrality: Filling in the Knowledge Gap”
Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps
Arterial Blood Gas Terminology Arterial blood gas (ABGs) are drawn from arterial blood and measures the concentration of concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood among other things. Everything we will discuss is centered around the goal of maintaining a normal blood pH. The general term used for pathologies surrounding blood pH isContinue reading “Read an ABG in 4 Simple Steps”
Volume of Distribution: Why We Need it and How to Use It
Distribution is the second step in drug pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics refers to how a drug is processed by the body. Volume of distribution is a way to quantify the extent of drug distribution throughout the body. Intravascular & Extravascular Spaces The body can be broadly divided into intravascular and extravascular spaces. Intravascular space refers to anyContinue reading “Volume of Distribution: Why We Need it and How to Use It”
Pharmacokinetics of Absorption: 3 Metabolic Processes that Affect Bioavailability
First Pass Effect, Enterohepatic Recirculation and P glycoproteins Drug absorption is the first important step needed for a drug to impact the body. The first pass effect, enterohepatic recirculation and p glycoproteins determine how much of the absorbed drug gets to the site of action. When we develop a dosing regimen, we consider how muchContinue reading “Pharmacokinetics of Absorption: 3 Metabolic Processes that Affect Bioavailability”