This article describes Pradaxa’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Pradaxa. If you want to know more about Pradaxa, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Pradaxa is a brand-name medication that comes as a capsule and pellets that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called dabigatran. This article describes dosages of Pradaxa.
Pradaxa has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Dosage of Pradaxa
This article describes the recommended dosages for Pradaxa. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Pradaxa without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Pradaxa in adults
Pradaxa capsule is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It’s also used to treat and help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after hip replacement surgery.
Below are the dosages of Pradaxa:
Dosage for nonvalvular AFib, DVT, and PE
The dosage for nonvalvular AFib, DVT, and PE is as follows:
- Dose: 150 milligrams (mg)
- Frequency: twice per day
Dosages to help prevent DVT and PE
The dosages to help prevent DVT and PE following hip surgery are as follows:
- Starting dosage: 110 mg once on the first day
- Maintenance dosage: 220 mg once per day
Dosages of Pradaxa in children
Pradaxa capsules are approved for use in children 8 years and older. It’s used to treat a blood clot called venous thromboembolism (VTE) in certain children who have already had blood thinners for at least 5 days. It can also be used to lower the risk of having another VTE.
Pradaxa’s dosage for this use is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). One kilogram is about 2.2 pounds (lb). The usual dosage for children 8 years and older is as follows:
| Weight in kg | Weight in lb | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 11 kg to less than 16 kg | about 24 lb to less than 35 lb | 75 mg twice per day |
| 16 kg to less than 26 kg | about 35 lb to less than 57 lb | 110 mg twice per day |
| 26 kg to less than 41 kg | about 57 lb to less than 90 lb | 150 mg twice per day |
| 41 kg to less than 61 kg | about 90 lb to less than 134 lb | 185 mg twice per day |
| 61 kg to less than 81 kg | about 134 lb to less than 178 lb | 220 mg twice per day |
| 81 kg or greater | about 178 lb or greater | 260 mg twice per day |
Pradaxa oral pellets are approved to reduce the risk of a VTE occurring again in children 3 months old to less than 12 years old. The usual dosage of Pradaxa oral pellets for children 2 years to 12 years old for this use is as follows:
| Weight in kg | Weight in lb | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 7 kg to less than 9 kg | about 15 lb to less than 20 lb | 70 mg twice per day |
| 9 kg to less than 11 kg | about 20 lb to less than 24 lb | 90 mg twice per day |
| 11 kg to less than 13 kg | about 24 lb to less than 28.5 lb | 110 mg twice per day |
| 13 kg to less than 16 kg | about 28.5 lb to less than 35 lb | 140 mg twice per day |
| 16 kg to less than 21 kg | about 35 lb to less than 46 lb | 170 mg twice per day |
| 21 kg to less than 41 kg | about 46 lb to less than 90 lb | 220 mg twice per day |
| 41 kg or greater | about 90 lb or greater | 260 mg twice per day |
For children ages 3 months to 2 years, the dosage of Pradaxa oral pellets is based on age and body weight in kg. Talk with your child’s doctor to learn more about the dosage for children ages 3 months to 2 years.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Pradaxa and its dosage.
Is the dosage of Pradaxa different for older adults?
Not necessarily. But your doctor may adjust your dosage of Pradaxa depending on your kidney function. Older adults (ages 65 and older) have an increased risk of lower kidney function. So your dosage of Pradaxa may be lower. Instead of taking 150 mg twice per day, you’d likely take 75 mg twice per day, which would be the lowest dose of Pradaxa.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Pradaxa’s dosage for older adults.
What’s the difference between Pradaxa 110-mg and 150-mg doses?
These doses are prescribed for different purposes in adults. Pradaxa 110-mg capsules are used to help prevent DVT and PE after hip surgery. You’ll take 110 mg once on the first day and then 220 mg per day afterward.
Pradaxa 150-mg capsules are prescribed to people who have already had a DVT or PE. This is to help reduce the risk of having another DVT or PE. In this case, you’ll take 150 mg twice per day.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how the dosages of Pradaxa compare. For more details, see the “Dosage of Pradaxa” section above.
What should I do for a missed dose of Pradaxa?
If you realize you forgot to take a dose of Pradaxa, take your dose as soon as you remember. But you should skip the missed dose if you cannot take it at least 6 hours before your next scheduled dose. You should not take two doses at the same time.
If you have questions about your missed dose, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Pradaxa and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Forms and strengths of Pradaxa
Pradaxa comes in these forms and strengths:
| Forms | Strengths | How to take |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule | • 75 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg | swallow with a full glass of water |
| oral pellets | • 20 mg • 30 mg • 40 mg • 50 mg • 110 mg • 150 mg | mix with soft foods or apple sauce, then swallow |
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Get free cardOverdose of Pradaxa
It’s important that you do not take more Pradaxa than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Pradaxa overdose
Overdose of Pradaxa may cause bleeding complications. Some, but not all symptoms, of this include:
- excessive bruising
- wounds that won’t stop bleeding
- black tarry stools
- bright red blood in your stool or urine
- stroke
What to do if you take too much Pradaxa
If you think you’ve taken too much Pradaxa, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for Pradaxa
Pradaxa has boxed warnings about the risk of clotting events if stopped too soon and the risk of spinal and epidural hematomas. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of clotting events if stopped too soon: Stopping any blood thinner, including Pradaxa, too soon could raise your risk of having a blood clot. This includes a DVT, PE, stroke, and heart attack. You should not stop taking Pradaxa without first talking with your doctor.
Risk of spinal and epidural hematomas: Pradaxa can increase your risk of having a spinal or epidural hematoma if you’re having certain spinal procedures. (A hematoma is a mass of blood that forms.) Spinal or epidural hematomas can cause permanent paralysis. You should tell your doctor you’re taking Pradaxa before having any spinal procedures. Your doctor will likely recommend you stop taking Pradaxa for a certain amount of time before and after your procedure.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these warnings.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.