Dabigatran (Pradaxa): Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Dabigatran is an oral blood thinner used to reduce the risk of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is also sometimes used after hip or knee replacement surgery to help prevent clots.
Dabigatran can prevent serious clots but also increases bleeding risk. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist before changing your dose or combining it with other medicines.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AE07
- Generic
- Dabigatran
- Class
- doac
- Brands
- Pradaxa
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, bleeding
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 150mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- weight-based, 150mg twice daily for ≥50kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
do not use near delivery due to risk of hemorrhage
close maternal and fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
do not use while breastfeeding; switch to alternative anticoagulant
none
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 75consider lower dose 110mg BID
use reduced dose in patients at increased bleeding risk
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 75consider lower dose 110mg BID
assess renal function and bleeding risk before initiating
periodic renal function and hemoglobin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild crcl 50 80no dose adjustment required
standard dose 150mg BID acceptable
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate crcl 30 50no dose adjustment for most patients
consider 150mg BID; assess bleeding risk
regular renal function monitoring every 6 months
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe crcl 15 30use reduced dose 110mg BID
reserved for patients with no alternative; monitor closely
frequent renal function and bleeding assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
esrd crcl 15do not use
contraindicated in patients with CrCl <15 mL/min
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment required
standard dose 150mg BID acceptable
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeuse with caution
limited data; assess risk-benefit carefully
monitor for signs of liver dysfunction
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not approved for pediatric use
not indicated for patients under 18 years of age
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Drug class
Anticoagulant classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy