Anticoagulation & antiplatelets

Anticoagulants

ClassGeneric (Brand)Dose by indicationRenal adjust
LMWHEnoxaparin (Clexane)Prophylaxis 40 mg SC OD; treatment 1 mg/kg SC BDYes: treatment 1 mg/kg SC OD if eGFR < 30
UFHHeparinTreatment: IV infusion (weight-based, APTT-titrated); prophylaxis 5,000 units SC BD/TIDNo
Factor Xa inhibitorFondaparinux (Arixtra)Prophylaxis 2.5 mg SC OD; treatment weight-basedYes: avoid if eGFR < 30
DOACApixaban (Eliquis)AF: 5 mg BD (2.5 mg BD if ≥ 2 of: age ≥ 80, ≤ 60 kg, Cr ≥ 133). VTE: 10 mg BD × 7 days → 5 mg BD; extended 2.5 mg BDYes: dose adjust
DOACRivaroxaban (Xarelto)AF: 20 mg OD (15 mg if CrCl 15–49). VTE: 15 mg BD × 21 days → 20 mg ODYes: avoid if eGFR < 15
DOACDabigatran (Pradaxa)AF / VTE: 150 mg BD (110 mg BD if age ≥ 80 or bleeding risk). VTE needs ≥ 5 days parenteral lead-in firstYes: avoid if CrCl < 30

Antiplatelets

Generic (Brand)DoseNotes
Aspirin75–100 mg OD (loading 300 mg)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)75 mg OD (loading 300–600 mg)
Ticagrelor (Brilinta)90 mg BD (loading 180 mg); 60 mg BD for long-term secondary preventionAvoid with strong CYP3A inhibitors; dyspnoea common

Reversal orientation

Major or life-threatening bleeding and urgent procedures only. Follow local major-bleeding protocol.

AgentReversal
Apixaban / rivaroxabanLife-threatening/uncontrolled bleeding: follow local protocol. 4F-PCC 25–50 units/kg where specific reversal unavailable. Andexanet alfa where locally available
DabigatranIdarucizumab 5 g IV
WarfarinPCC 25–50 units/kg (guided by INR) + vitamin K 10 mg IV
UFHProtamine (weight-based dosing)
LMWHProtamine gives partial reversal (~60%)

Full reversal protocols: Coagulation Profile · Massive Hemorrhage

Perioperative interruption

DOACs: interruption depends on bleeding risk, renal function, and agent

  • not routinely bridged
  • dabigatran: longer hold with reduced CrCl
  • neuraxial: follow anaesthesia / local protocol

Warfarin: bridging not routine, including most AF, VTE, and mechanical-valve patients

  • reserve for selected very-high-thrombotic-risk situations; involve the senior / specialty team

Educational reference for clinicians. Doses are typical adult starting points. Cross-check allergies, interactions, current local policy, the formulary, and renal/hepatic function before prescribing.

Last updated · September 2026