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Dabigatran

Brand names: Pradaxa

Dabigatran is a blood thinner that lowers stroke risk in atrial fibrillation and treats and prevents blood clots.

Brand namesPradaxa
Type of medicineBlood thinner (anticoagulant)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It directly blocks thrombin, a clotting protein. It doesn't need regular INR tests.

What it's used for

  • Lowering stroke risk in atrial fibrillation
  • Treating and preventing clots in the legs and lungs
  • Preventing clots after hip replacement

How to take it

  • Swallow capsules whole with water; never open, chew, or crush them.
  • Keep capsules in the original bottle or blister pack.
  • Take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
  • Don't stop it without asking your provider.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Upset stomach, heartburn
  • Bruising
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911A severe headache, weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
Call 911A bad fall or hit to the head
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools, or pink or brown urine

Warnings

  • Risk of spinal bleeding with spinal procedures.
  • Not used with mechanical heart valves.
  • Doses depend on kidney function.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, other blood thinners, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • Rifampin lowers its effect; dronedarone and ketoconazole raise it.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Keep capsules in the original bottle (use within 4 months of opening) or blister pack, at room temperature. Don't put them in pill organizers.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.