Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is prescribed to lower the risk of blood clots in specific situations. The drug comes as an oral capsule and oral pellets. It’s usually taken once or twice per day depending on certain factors.
Pradaxa is prescribed for certain adults to help lower the risk of blood clots in specific situations. These situations are to:
- lower the risk of a stroke or blood clot if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)
- prevent further DVT or PE
- prevent DVT or PE after hip replacement surgery
Doctors also prescribe Pradaxa for certain children to:
- treat venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- prevent further VTE
The active ingredient in Pradaxa is dabigatran etexilate. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Dabigatran belongs to a group of drugs called direct thrombin inhibitors. It comes as capsules or oral pellets that you’ll swallow.
This article describes the dosages of Pradaxa, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Pradaxa, see this in-depth article.
Below is information about Pradaxa’s recommended dosages. The dosage depends on the condition it’s treating.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Pradaxa’s dosage. Each form is measured in milligrams (mg). Be sure to read on for more detail.
| Forms | Strengths | Typical dosage | Maximum dosage |
| capsules | • 75 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg | See “What are the usual doses of Pradaxa?” section below. | 150 mg twice per day |
| oral pellets | • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg • 50 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg | See “What’s the dosage of Pradaxa for children?” section below. | 260 mg twice per day |
What are the forms of Pradaxa?
Pradaxa comes as capsules and pellets. You’ll take either form by mouth.
What strengths does Pradaxa come in?
The table below shows the various strengths of Pradaxa by form.
| Capsules | Pellets |
| • 75 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg | • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg • 50 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg |
What are the usual dosages of Pradaxa?
Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage of Pradaxa for your condition.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for different conditions. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for reducing the risk of stroke or a blood clot in people with AFib
Pradaxa helps reduce the risk of a stroke or blood clot if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib). For this condition, the dosage is 150 mg twice per day.
Dosage for preventing DVT and PE
Pradaxa helps lower the risk of developing another deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) in people who have had one. For this condition, the dosage is 150 mg twice per day. But before starting treatment with Pradaxa, you’ll need another medication to prevent blood clots.
Dosage for preventing DVT and PE after a hip replacement
Pradaxa helps prevent DVT or PE in people after their hip replacement surgery. For this condition, the dosage is 110 mg on the first day and then 220 mg once per day. Your doctor will determine how long you should take Pradaxa for this condition.
Dosage for treating DVT and PE
Pradaxa treats DVT and PE. The dosage for this condition is 150 mg twice per day. But before starting treatment with Pradaxa, you’ll need to receive another medication to prevent blood clots. You’ll receive this medication by intravenous injection 5 to 10 days before starting treatment.
Dosage before surgery
Before you have surgery or another invasive procedure, you’ll need to stop taking Pradaxa. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking it. They’ll also tell you when to start it again after your procedure.
What’s the dosage of Pradaxa for children?
Pradaxa is approved to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children ages 3 months to younger than 18 years. It’s also approved to prevent further VTE in children of the same age group.
Pradaxa oral pellets are used for children ages 3 months to younger than 12 years. Pradaxa capsules are used for children ages 8 years to younger than 18 years.
Dosages of oral pellets
Before starting Pradaxa to treat VTE, your child will need to receive another medication to prevent blood clots. Your child will receive this medication by intravenous injection at least 5 days before starting treatment.
Before starting Pradaxa to prevent another VTE, your child’s doctor will start Pradaxa after treatment with another drug that prevents clots.
Children ages 3 months to 24 months
The following table shows the dosages of Pradaxa oral pellets for treating or preventing VTE in children ages 3 months to 24 months. The dosage is based on body weight in kilograms (kg) and age. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].)
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Age | Dose to be given twice per day |
| 3 kg to less than 4 kg | 6.6 lb to less than 8.8 lb | 3 months to younger than 6 months | 30 mg |
| 4 kg to less than 5 kg | 8.8 lb to less than 11 lb | 3 months to younger than 10 months | 40 mg |
| 5 kg to less than 7 kg | 11 lb to less than 15.4 lb | 3 months to younger than 5 months | 40 mg |
| 5 kg to less than 7 kg | 11 lb to less than 15.4 lb | 5 months to younger than 24 months | 50 mg |
| 7 kg to less than 9 kg | 15.4 lb to less than 19.8 lb | 3 months to younger than 4 months | 50 mg |
| 7 kg to less than 9 kg | 15.4 lb to less than 19.8 lb | 4 months to younger than 9 months | 60 mg |
| 7 kg to less than 9 kg | 15.4 lb to less than 19.8 lb | 9 months to younger than 24 months | 70 mg |
| 9 kg to less than 11 kg | 19.8 lb to less than 24.2 lb | 5 months to younger than 6 months | 60 mg |
| 9 kg to less than 11 kg | 19.8 lb to less than 24.2 lb | 6 months to younger than 11 months | 80 mg |
| 9 kg to less than 11 kg | 19.8 lb to less than 24.2 lb | 11 months to younger than 24 months | 90 mg |
| 11 kg to less than 13 kg | 24.2 lb to less than 28.6 lb | 8 months to younger than 18 months | 100 mg |
| 11 kg to less than 13 kg | 24.2 lb to less than 28.6 lb | 18 months to younger than 24 months | 110 mg |
| 13 kg to less than 16 kg | 28.6 lb to less than 35.2 lb | 10 months to younger than 11 months | 100 mg |
| 13 kg to less than 16 kg | 28.6 lb to less than 35.2 lb | 11 months to younger than 24 months | 140 mg |
| 16 kg to less than 21 kg | 35.2 lb to less than 46.2 lb | 12 months to younger than 24 months | 140 mg |
| 21 kg to less than 26 kg | 46.2 lb to less than 57.2 lb | 18 months to younger than 24 months | 180 mg |
As an example, assume that a doctor prescribes Pradaxa oral pellets for a child age 10 months who weighs 8 kg (approximately 17.6 lb). The child’s dosage will be 70 mg to be given twice per day.
Children ages 2 years to younger than 12 years
The following table shows the dosages of Pradaxa oral pellets for treating or preventing VTE in children ages 2 years to younger than age 12 years. The dosage is based on body weight in kg. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.)
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Dose to be given twice per day |
| 7 kg to less than 9 kg | 15.4 lb to less than 19.8 lb | 70 mg |
| 9 kg to less than 11 kg | 19.8 lb to less than 24.2 lb | 90 mg |
| 11 kg to less than 13 kg | 24.2 lb to less than 28.6 lb | 110 mg |
| 13 kg to less than 16 kg | 28.6 lb to less than 35.2 lb | 140 mg |
| 16 kg to less than 21 kg | 35.2 lb to less than 46.2 lb | 170 mg |
| 21 kg to less than 41 kg | 46.2 lb to less than 57.2 lb | 220 mg |
| 41 kg or more | 57.2 lb or more | 260 mg |
As an example, assume that a doctor prescribes Pradaxa oral pellets for a child weighing 12 kg (approximately 26.4 lb). The child’s dosage will be 110 mg to be given twice per day.
Dosages of capsules
Before starting Pradaxa to treat VTE, children will need to receive another medication to prevent blood clots. Your child will receive this medication by intravenous injection at least 5 days before starting treatment.
Before starting Pradaxa to prevent another VTE, your child’s doctor will start Pradaxa after treatment with another drug that prevents clots.
The following table shows the dosages of Pradaxa oral capsules for treating or preventing VTE in children ages 8 years to younger than 18 years. The dosage is based on body weight in kg. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.)
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Dose to be given twice per day |
| 11 kg to less than 16 kg | 24.2 lb to less than 35.2 lb | 75 mg |
| 16 kg to less than 26 kg | 35.2 lb to less than 57.2 lb | 110 mg |
| 26 kg to less than 41 kg | 57.2 lb to less than 90.2 lb | 150 mg |
| 41 kg to less than 61 kg | 90.2 lb to less than 134.2 lb | 185 mg |
| 61 kg to less than 81 kg | 134.2 lb to less than 178.2 lb | 220 mg |
| 81 kg or more | 178.2 lb or more | 260 mg |
As an example, assume that a doctor prescribes Pradaxa oral capsules for a child weighing 70 kg (approximately 154 lb). The child’s dosage will be 220 mg to be given twice per day.
Is Pradaxa used long term?
Yes, Pradaxa is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Pradaxa if you have kidney problems. People with kidney problems may need lower dosages of Pradaxa.
Additionally, if you have kidney problems and are taking certain medications, you may need a lower dosage of Pradaxa.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Pradaxa’s dosage.
What is the Pradaxa dosage in older adults?
In older adults, the dosage of Pradaxa is the same as for other adults. (Older adults are usually considered ages 65 years and older.) But older adults who have kidney problems may require lower dosages. Depending on the severity of your kidney problems, your doctor may decrease your dosage of Pradaxa.
Older adults taking certain medications may also require lower dosages of Pradaxa.
Doctors may follow up with older adults more closely when taking Pradaxa. This is because they may have more side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding.
If I have renal (kidney) problems, is there recommended renal dosing for Pradaxa?
If you have renal problems, your doctor will prescribe a renal dose adjustment of Pradaxa. An example of renal problems, or renal impairment, is chronic kidney disease.
Having kidney problems can cause the levels of Pradaxa to accumulate in the body. If too much Pradaxa accumulates, it can increase your risk of bleeding and other side effects. In this case, a dose reduction of Pradaxa helps lessen the amount of Pradaxa in the body.
If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor. They may need to adjust your dosage of Pradaxa.
The dosage of Pradaxa your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
- your age
- your body weight
- the form of Pradaxa you’re taking
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” in the “What is Pradaxa’s dosage?” section above)
If you miss a dose of Pradaxa, take it as soon as you remember. But if your next dose is due within 6 hours, skip the missed dose entirely. Then take your next scheduled dose at your usual time. Do not double up your Pradaxa dose to make up for a missed dose.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what to do about a missed dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Pradaxa on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Take Pradaxa capsules by mouth with a full glass of water. You must swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, chew, or empty the contents of the capsule. Doing so can release too much Pradaxa into your body.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
You may take Pradaxa with or without food. But if taking Pradaxa without food upsets your stomach, try taking it with a meal.
Children may take Pradaxa oral pellets as soon as they start eating solid food. Each of the two daily doses should be taken 12 hours apart. Usually this means taking one dose in the morning and one in the evening. Pradaxa oral pellets work best if they’re taken around the same time every day.
You can mix Pradaxa pellets with soft food, such as applesauce, mashed banana, or mashed carrots. Or you can administer it with apple juice. Be sure your child takes it right away or within about 30 minutes. If your child hasn’t taken the dose within 30 minutes, discard it and prepare a new dose.
If your child has taken only a partial dose of Pradaxa oral pellets, do not give the remainder at that time. Instead, give the child the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Pradaxa, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Check whether your current pharmacy offers these accessibility features. If they don’t, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that do.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Pradaxa in an easy-open container. They also may have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Do not take more Pradaxa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects. If you take too much Pradaxa, your doctor may closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of overdose.
Symptoms of overdose
Taking too much Pradaxa can cause hemorrhage (excessive bleeding).
What to do in case you take too much Pradaxa
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Pradaxa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or a local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the drugmaker’s usual dosages. If your doctor recommends Pradaxa for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Pradaxa without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Pradaxa exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If I’m taking 80 mg of aspirin, what dosage of Pradaxa should I take?
- I’m an adult who weighs 54 kg, and I have difficulty swallowing pills. What dosage of Pradaxa oral pellets can I take?
- If I’m having too many side effects from Pradaxa, can my doctor prescribe a lower dose?
- If I don’t need Pradaxa anymore, do I need to wean off it?
To learn more about Pradaxa, see these articles:
- Pradaxa (dabigatran)
- Pradaxa and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Side Effects of Pradaxa: What You Need to Know
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
