Enoxaparin: a pharmacologic and clinical review

INTRODUCTION: Both arterial and venous thromboembolism constitute a significant disease burden worldwide, leading to major use of healthcare resources. As anticoagulants play a pivotal role in the treatment of these disorders, it is vital for healthcare providers to have sufficient knowledge of their biochemical and clinical attributes. AREAS COVERED: Enoxaparin is one of the most commonly used low-molecular-weight heparins in a wide variety of thromboembolic disorders and has several advantages over unfractionated heparin. An analysis of its biophysical profile, with special emphasis on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, is undertaken in this article. In addition, most recent major clinical studies elucidating its role in common thromboembolic conditions are discussed, while keeping the historical perspective at hand. Readers will be able to understand the pharmacologic properties of enoxaparin with their clinical relevance for day-to-day use and critically analyze the amount and weight of scientific evidence behind its use in various disorders. EXPERT OPINION: In summary, enoxaparin has been shown, by a vast amount of scientific data, to be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of a whole spectrum of acute coronary syndromes, with similar efficacy and safety in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.