Dabigatran (a direct thrombin inhibitor) and rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban (direct activated factor X inhibitors) are increasingly being used in clinical practice. Compared with vitamin K antagonists, they are more convenient, do not require laboratory monitoring, have limited drug and food interactions, and have fixed dosages suitable for most patients. This review from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine summarizes the clinically relevant characteristics of these new oral anticoagulants and provides guidance on their usage: http://www.ccjm.org/current-issue/issue-single-view/the-new-oral-anticoagulants-reasonable-alternatives-to-warfarin/26c19370e96b6f1a068a6c1a2974e737.html.