Which of the following medications can replace heparin as bridging therapy?

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is an oral anticoagulant that acts as a direct thrombin inhibitor, making it a suitable choice for bridging therapy, especially in patients who require anticoagulation during periods when they are off heparin. It has the ability to effectively prevent thromboembolic events similar to heparin but offers the convenience of oral administration.

In the context of bridging therapy, specifically for patients transitioning from a parenteral anticoagulant like heparin, dabigatran can be appropriate because it can be started once appropriate conditions are met, thus maintaining anticoagulation through a different mechanism. This allows for continuity of care while avoiding the complications that can arise from heparin administration.

In contrast, while other anticoagulants like Xarelto and Apixaban are also direct oral anticoagulants, the exact context of the patient's condition, specific guidelines, and the comparative efficacy of these drugs influence their use in bridging therapy decisions. Amiodarone, on the other hand, does not have anticoagulant properties and is primarily used as an antiarrhythmic medication. Thus, it does not play a role in bridging therapy for anticoagulation purposes.