Pradaxa and Coumadin are both used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke and other blood clots, but they belong to two different classes of anticoagulants and work by different mechanisms. Understanding these differences helps determine the most appropriate medication for each patient.
Pradaxa Tablets Ingredients
Pradaxa tablets contain the active ingredient dabigatran ectilate. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of thrombin, an enzyme essential for blood clotting, thus reducing the formation of blood clots.
Coumadin Tablets Ingredients
Coumadin tablets contain the active ingredient warfarin. Warfarin works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. These factors are essential for blood clot formation, and therefore warfarin reduces the blood's ability to clot.
Pradaxa Tablets Information
Drug Class: Anticoagulants, Direct Thrombin Inhibitors
Drug Classification: Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
Pharmaceutical Form: Capsules
Pharmaceutical Family: Blood Drugs
Active Ingredient: Dabigatran Etixilate
Coumadin Tablets Information
Drug Class: Anticoagulants, Vitamin K Antagonists
Drug Classification: Coumarin
Pharmaceutical Form: Tablets
Pharmaceutical Family: Blood Drugs
Active Ingredient: Warfarin