Sulfonamide lactams of the following formula ##STR00001## wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.4a, R.sup.5, R.sup.5a, R.sup.6, R.sup.6a, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are as described herein, are provided which inhibitors of Factor Xa and are useful as anticoagulants in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with thromboses.