Ximelagatran is an anti-coagulant thrombin inhibitor that binds reversibly to the catalytic site and anion-binding exosite inhibiting the cleavage of fibrinogen into fibrin. Ximelagatran is used to treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia as well as to prevent thrombosis. It is used in patients that are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or who have a risk in acute coronary syndromes caused by unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation. Thrombin is an important proteinase as it cleaves fibrinogen into fibrin monomers which help form the thrombus that forms the clot at the site of vascular injury. Because ximelagatran inhibits thrombin, clotting cannot form which is ideal for heart surgeries and some heart conditions. Ximelagatran should be monitored as it inhibits clotting so other injuries won't clot and it also can cause blood stagnation. Monitoring changes in hematocrit and blood pressure is extremely important when taking this drug. It is normally administered intravenously so that it is delivered to the site of action right away and can be controlled more easily. Ximelagatran is an anticoagulant drug used to prevent and treat blood clots, and was the first drug in the anticoagulant drug class to be able to be ingested orally. It was discontinued from distribution by its parent company AstraZeneca in 2006 as it was found to raise liver enzyme levels in patients and cause liver damage as a result.

Ximelagatran Mechanism of Action Pathway References