Apixaban
Apixaban Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Apixaban is a brand name. Its generic name is Apixaban.
What is Apixaban?
Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in those with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). It is also used to treat and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or pulmonary embolism (blockage of the artery in the lung).
Uses of Apixaban
Apixaban is used to:
- Reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with one or more risk factors
- Treat deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and reduce the risk of recurrence
Mechanism of Action
Apixaban works by inhibiting the bodies ability to clot by blocking the activity of the clotting protein thrombin. This reduces the risk of a stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation patients. It also prevents the formation of new clots and reduces the risk of recurrence of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
How long does it take to work?
Apixaban starts to work within 15 minutes of ingestion, and its effects can be felt up to 12 hours later. It is recommended to take Apixaban twice daily for maximum effect.
Absorption
Apixaban is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak concentrations in the blood occurring at 1.5–3 hours after oral administration.
Route of Elimination
Apixaban is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with an estimated 75% of drug excretion occurring in the urine and 25% in the feces.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended initial dose of Apixaban for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation is 5 mg taken orally, twice daily. The dose can be increased up to 10 mg twice daily based on the patient's needs. The recommended dose for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is 10 mg taken orally, twice daily.
Precaution
Apixaban should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment or a known history of bleeding issues. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or any allergies you may have.
Interactions
It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and prescription drugs. Apixaban may interact with certain drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
Disease Interactions
Apixaban may interact with certain diseases or health conditions. Before starting Apixaban, make sure to inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following diseases or conditions: kidney disease, liver disease, hemorrhagic disorder, bleeding diathesis, any history of stroke or brain hemorrhage, pre-existing active ulcerative gastrointestinal bleeding, or if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Drug Interaction
Tell your doctor and pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications that you're taking, including herbal supplements. There are several drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Apixaban (e.g., aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Make sure to inform your healthcare professional of all medication that you are taking.
Food Interactions
It is recommended to not take Apixaban with food or grapefruit juice. Alcohol should also be avoided.
Pregnancy Use
Apixaban should not be used during pregnancy. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking this drug if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Lactation Use
Apixaban is excreted in breast milk and should not be taken while nursing.
Acute Overdose
If you think you have overdosed on Apixaban, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe bleeding, weakness, dizziness, confusion, and an abnormally slow heart rate.
Contraindication
Apixaban should not be used in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to it, a history of bleeding episodes, or in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.
Use Direction
Apixaban should be taken by mouth as directed by the healthcare professional. Do not take more than the recommended dosage. Take the tablets with a full glass of water and swallow them whole. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
Storage Condition
Keep Apixaban in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. Store tablets away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Volume of Distribution
The approximate volume of distribution for Apixaban is 17 litres.
Half Life
The half-life of Apixaban is approximately 10 hours.
Clearance
The elimination clearance of Apixaban is approximately 50 ml/min.
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