Which anticoagulant is commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation?

Warfarin is commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation due to its effectiveness in preventing thromboembolic events, such as strokes, which can occur in patients with this condition. Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atria of the heart, and these clots may dislodge and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Warfarin, an oral vitamin K antagonist, works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors that are dependent on vitamin K, thereby reducing the blood's ability to clot.

The choice of Warfarin over other anticoagulants is based on its long history of use and its well-established monitoring protocol. Patients on Warfarin require regular blood tests (INR testing) to ensure their blood's clotting ability remains within a target therapeutic range, which is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness while minimizing the risk of bleeding.

While enoxaparin is also an anticoagulant, it is typically used for short-term inpatient management or certain outpatient scenarios. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent, which is not a first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation. Aminocaproic acid is used to treat excessive bleeding and is not an anticoagulant