Dabigatran Etexilate
Pradaxa is a brand-name anticoagulant (blood thinner) that helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming in the body. It is primarily prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation, and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Pradaxa is a prescription anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clots, primarily in patients with atrial fibrillation or those at risk for DVT/PE.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1037046
- Generic
- Pradaxa
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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.
Pradaxa is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, to treat and prevent recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and to prevent blood clots following hip replacement surgery.
Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor that works by blocking thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting process. By inhibiting thrombin, it prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thereby reducing the ability of blood to clot.
Pradaxa carries a risk of serious bleeding events and should not be used in patients with active pathological bleeding. Unlike warfarin, it does not require routine blood monitoring. A reversal agent (idarucizumab) is available for emergency situations. Do not stop taking Pradaxa without consulting your doctor, as stopping suddenly may increase the risk of stroke.
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 August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy