Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): A Patient Guide
Rivaroxaban is a prescription anticoagulant, or “blood thinner,” that reduces the risk of blood clots forming. It is used to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in certain patients.
Rivaroxaban can cause serious bleeding, so take it exactly as prescribed and do not stop it without medical advice. Contact a clinician promptly for signs of bleeding or a serious reaction.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AF01
- Generic
- Rivaroxaban
- Class
- doac
- Brands
- Xarelto
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, coagulation, 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
- 20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with food
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily based on weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily with food
- 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
second 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
avoid use close to delivery due to risk of hemorrhage
close fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 24 hours after last dose
monitor infant for bleeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
neonatesnot recommended
not approved for use in neonates
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
patients 65 years and olderuse with caution
use with caution due to increased bleeding risk; consider dose reduction in certain indications
monitor for signs of bleeding and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno dose adjustment needed
use with caution in patients with CrCl 50-80 mL/min
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatedose reduction may be needed
use with caution in patients with CrCl 30-50 mL/min; consider dose reduction for some indications
monitor renal function and for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
avoid use in patients with CrCl less than 30 mL/min
monitor renal function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
use with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
avoid in patients with severe hepatic impairment or any degree of coagulopathy
monitor liver function and coagulation parameters
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval information
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
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