The Sound of Evolution
Fondaparinux
Mechanism of action:
Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide. After binding to antithrombin, formerly known as antithrombin III, fondaparinux induces a conformational change in antithrombin that markedly enhances its ability to inhibit factor Xa. This prevents prothrombin from being converted into thrombin, thereby reducing thrombin generation and inhibiting thrombus formation and extension.
Reference(s):
1. Eriksson BI et al. (2001). Fondaparinux compared with enoxaparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after hip-fracture surgery. N Engl J Med.
2. Turpie AG et al. (2002). Postoperative fondaparinux versus postoperative enoxaparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism after elective hip-replacement surgery: a randomised double-blind trial. Lancet.
3. Lassen MR et al. (2002). Postoperative fondaparinux versus preoperative enoxaparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in elective hip-replacement surgery: a randomised double-blind comparison. Lancet.