NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Dabigatran

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin (factor IIa) inhibitor that was the first DOAC approved for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, based on the RE-LY trial. It is the only DOAC with a specific reversal agent (idarucizumab/Praxbind). Also approved for DVT/PE treatment after initial parenteral anticoagulation.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2014–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin (factor IIa) inhibitor that was the first DOAC approved for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, based on the RE-LY trial. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is AF: 150 mg twice daily (or 75 mg twice daily for CrCl 15–30 mL/min); DVT/PE: 150 mg twice daily after 5–10 days of parenteral anticoagulation (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Non-inferior (150 mg) or superior to warfarin for stroke prevention in AF1,2
  • Specific reversal agent available (idarucizumab/Praxbind)1,2
  • Fixed dosing without routine monitoring
  • Lower intracranial hemorrhage risk than warfarin8
What to watch for
  • Dyspepsia and GI discomfort (most common, ~10%)
  • Bleeding (major and minor)
  • GI bleeding (higher rate than warfarin at 150 mg dose)
  • Active pathological bleeding7
  • Mechanical prosthetic heart valve (RE-ALIGN trial terminated for excess events)

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: non-inferior (150 mg) or superior to warfarin for stroke prevention in af, specific reversal agent available (idarucizumab/praxbind), fixed dosing without routine monitoring. 10 sources indexed (2014–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Administered as the prodrug dabigatran etexilate, which is converted to active dabigatran by esterases. Dabigatran directly and reversibly inhibits both free and fibrin-bound thrombin (factor IIa). By inhibiting thrombin, it prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and inhibits thrombin-mediated platelet activation. Primarily renally eliminated (~80%).1,2

Class
Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
AF: 150 mg twice daily (or 75 mg twice daily for CrCl 15–30 mL/min); DVT/PE: 150 mg twice daily after 5–10 days of parenteral anticoagulation (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral capsule (must be swallowed whole, do not crush, chew, or open)

Can be taken with or without food; capsules must be kept in original packaging due to moisture sensitivity; do not place in pill organizers

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dyspepsia and GI discomfort (most common, ~10%)
  • Bleeding (major and minor)
  • GI bleeding (higher rate than warfarin at 150 mg dose)
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gastritis-like symptoms

Contraindications

  • Active pathological bleeding7
  • Mechanical prosthetic heart valve (RE-ALIGN trial terminated for excess events)
  • Severe renal impairment (CrCl <15 mL/min, US labeling; <30 mL/min, EU)
  • Concurrent P-glycoprotein inhibitors with CrCl <30 mL/min
  • Hypersensitivity to dabigatran1,2
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Dabigatran, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Dabigatran?

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin (factor IIa) inhibitor that was the first DOAC approved for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, based on the RE-LY trial. It is the only DOAC with a specific reversal agent (idarucizumab/Praxbind). Also approved for DVT/PE treatment after initial parenteral anticoagulation.

What is Dabigatran used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Dabigatran include: Non-inferior (150 mg) or superior to warfarin for stroke prevention in AF; Specific reversal agent available (idarucizumab/Praxbind); Fixed dosing without routine monitoring; Lower intracranial hemorrhage risk than warfarin. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Dabigatran?

A typical adult dose of Dabigatran is AF: 150 mg twice daily (or 75 mg twice daily for CrCl 15–30 mL/min); DVT/PE: 150 mg twice daily after 5–10 days of parenteral anticoagulation (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral capsule (must be swallowed whole, do not crush, chew, or open). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Dabigatran?

Reported side effects include dyspepsia and gi discomfort (most common, ~10%), bleeding (major and minor), gi bleeding (higher rate than warfarin at 150 mg dose), nausea, abdominal pain, gastritis-like symptoms. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Dabigatran?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Dabigatran in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.