The pharmacokinetics of edoxaban for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism

Introduction: Thromboembolic diseases will become the most important contributors to mortality and morbidity for modern societies. Current antithrombotic strategies using heparins or vitamin K antagonists are inconvenient, with limitations and inherent side effects. A series of new oral anticoagulants with powerful and reliable antithrombotic actions have been developed in the last decade. Areas covered: Edoxaban is a direct and specific inhibitor of activated factor X, delivered orally. This article reviews literature from PubMed and articles referenced within. The text explores the pharmacological aspects of its antithrombotic action. Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and drug interactions are examined. The review places the results of recent clinical trials that have evaluated the antithrombotic potential of edoxaban versus standard antithrombotic therapies in the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism into perspective. The possible relationship between the pharmacokinetic profile of edoxaban a...