Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant that inhibits coagulation factor X, typically used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Rivaroxaban is indicated for patients at high risk of DVT, PE and any other recurrent thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban is also indicated, in combination with aspirin, for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Rivaroxaban competitively inhibits free and clot-bound factor X. Coagulation factor X makes up a part of the prothrombinase complex that is responsible for the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin is a serine protease that is required to activate fibrinogen to fibrin, which creates the loose meshwork that eventually forms into a blood clot. Patients should avoid herbs and supplements with anticoagulant activity such as garlic, ginger, bilberry, danshen, piracetam and ginkgo biloba. In addition, St. John's Wort should also be avoided as it will decrease blood concentration levels of rivaroxaban.

Rivaroxaban Pathway References