What is the primary action of enoxaparin (Lovenox)?

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is primarily classified as an anticoagulant. Its main action is to prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the coagulation cascade. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that primarily works by inhibiting factor Xa and, to a lesser extent, factor IIa (thrombin). This action leads to a reduction in the ability of the blood to coagulate, thereby preventing the development of clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it informs them about the drug's usage in various clinical situations where anticoagulation is necessary. This also differentiates enoxaparin from other categories of drugs, such as vitamin K antagonists, direct thrombin inhibitors, or platelet inhibitors, which function through different pathways in the hemostatic process.