[13C6]-Dabigatran etexilate

[13C6]-Dabigatran etexilate is a labeled drug used in clinical research to study the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of dabigatran etexilate, a medication used to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran etexilate is an oral prodrug that is rapidly converted to its active form, dabigatran, by esterases in the liver and blood. This process is important because dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor that works by blocking the activity of thrombin, an enzyme that is critical in the formation of blood clots. [13C6]-Dabigatran etexilate is a labeled drug because it contains six carbon atoms that are labeled with the stable isotope carbon-13. This labeling allows researchers to track the drug's distribution and metabolism in the body using mass spectrometry. This information can be used to determine the drug's bioavailability, half-life, and clearance rate, which are important parameters for dosing and therapeutic efficacy. The chemical formula of [13C6]-Dabigatran etexilate is C34H44N6O5, and its molecular weight is 636.76 g/mol. The drug is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water and organic solvents. [13C6]-Dabigatran etexilate is typically administered orally, and its dosage and frequency depend on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition. While the drug is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as bleeding, gastrointestinal disturbances, and allergic reactions. Therefore, patients taking dabigatran etexilate should be carefully monitored for any adverse effects.