Tromexan—3,3'-Carboxymethylenebis (4-Hydroxycoumarin) Ethyl Ester

The use of heparin and dicumarol has provided important information regarding the effectiveness and the difficulties of anticoagulant therapy. Neither, however, is an ideal anticoagulant; therefore a search for new substances with advantages over them must be continued. Tromexan, which is administered orally, appears to have the advantages of more rapid utilization and more rapid cessation of action than dicumarol, although the mode of action is similar in that it produces a hypoprothrombinemia. It does require accurate prothrombin tests for satisfactory clinical use. It appears to be less prone to producing hemorrhagic complications. Animal and clinical experiences with Tromexan are herewith presented.