Dabigatran (Pradaxa), a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), binds and inhibits thrombin without involving another coagulation protein. Unlike heparins, DTIs are small molecules that inhibit thrombin directly, with no need for a cofactor. DTI action results in:
- Specific binding of free and fibrin-bound thrombin
- Prevents fibrin formation
- Inhibiting thrombin-mediated activation of factors V, VIII, XI, and XIII
- Inhibiting thrombin-induced platelet aggregation
