Which anticoagulant is most commonly administered for DVT prophylaxis in a patient who has undergone a hip replacement?

Enoxaparin is the most commonly administered anticoagulant for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, particularly in patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery. This low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is preferred due to its predictable pharmacokinetics, which allows for fixed dosing without the need for routine monitoring of anticoagulation levels.

Enoxaparin provides effective prevention of thromboembolic events following surgical procedures by inhibiting factor Xa in the coagulation cascade, thereby reducing the formation of clots. This makes it particularly suitable for patients at higher risk of DVT following major orthopedic surgeries, such as hip replacements.

Additionally, enoxaparin has a longer half-life compared to unfractionated heparin, which enables once or twice daily dosing, enhancing patient compliance and convenience. In this context, enoxaparin strikes an optimal balance between efficacy in preventing DVT and ease of administration, solidifying its role as the anticoagulant of choice in post-operative scenarios like hip replacement.