How long before a routine extraction should apixaban typically be held?

Correct answer: B. About 2 days (48 hours)

• A. Four hours is far too short — apixaban's half-life is roughly 12 hours.
• B. Correct. For a procedure with meaningful bleeding risk in a patient with normal renal function, apixaban is generally held about 48 hours. For simple extractions many protocols continue it with local hemostatic measures — always coordinate with the prescribing physician.
• C. Ten days is the timeframe for irreversible antiplatelet effects such as aspirin, not a DOAC with a short half-life.
• D. For higher-bleeding-risk surgery an interruption is often appropriate after physician consultation.