Rivaroxaban, a new, oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor for thromboprophylaxis after major joint arthroplasty.

The new oral, antithrombotic drug rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, which can restrict thrombin generation both in vitro and in vivo. It has a predictable dose-dependent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and is well tolerated. In patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, rivaroxaban, 10 mg once daily started 6 - 8 h after the operation, had a significantly better antithrombotic efficacy and a comparable safety when compared with enoxaparin. Furthermore in all studies performed the drug had no adverse influence on the liver function in comparison with enoxaparin. In conclusion, rivaroxaban is a potent and safe new compound for antithrombotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.