This document summarizes newer anticoagulants that are alternatives to traditional agents like heparin and warfarin. It discusses the mechanisms and properties of newer oral anticoagulants like rivaroxaban and dabigatran which directly inhibit thrombin or Factor Xa. Clinical trials showed these drugs were as effective as enoxaparin or warfarin for preventing blood clots after knee or hip surgery with lower rates of bleeding complications. The RE-LY trial found dabigatran 150mg twice daily reduced strokes by 35% compared to warfarin in atrial fibrillation patients.