dabigatran etexilate mesilate at a glance
Class
Direct-acting oral anticoagulant and direct thrombin inhibitor
Main safety issue
Bleeding, which can occasionally be serious
Capsules
Swallow whole with water; do not open them
Routine INR testing
Not required, although clinical review and blood tests remain important
What is dabigatran etexilate mesilate used for?
Licensed uses for the selected products include:
Preventing venous blood clots after elective total hip or knee replacement surgery in adults.
Preventing stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and additional risk factors.
Treating deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and preventing recurrence in adults.
Treating venous thromboembolism and preventing recurrence in children; formulation choice depends on age and ability to swallow.
How does dabigatran etexilate mesilate work?
Dabigatran etexilate is converted after absorption to dabigatran. Dabigatran directly and reversibly blocks thrombin, limiting blood-clot formation and growth.
dabigatran etexilate mesilate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 75 mg, 110 mg, 150 mg
Granules
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 110 mg, 150 mg
How to take dabigatran etexilate mesilate
Follow the dispensing label and do not stop treatment without medical advice.
Swallow capsules whole with water. They may be taken with or without food; opening them increases absorption and bleeding risk.
Mix coated granules only with apple juice or a soft food specified in the product instructions, and use promptly.
Do not mix coated granules with milk or milk products or give them through a feeding tube.
Tell doctors, dentists and pharmacists before procedures or when new medicines are supplied.
dabigatran etexilate mesilate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bruising or minor bleeding, including nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea
- Anaemia or reduced haemoglobin
- Blood in the urine or gastrointestinal bleeding
- In children, rash or hives
Get urgent medical advice
- Heavy, persistent or internal bleeding
- Bleeding within the skull, potentially causing sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling, wheezing or breathing difficulty
- A marked fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure suggesting concealed bleeding
dabigatran etexilate mesilate in pregnancy
Dabigatran is not generally recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is limited and anticoagulation may cause maternal or fetal bleeding. Product information permits use only when clearly necessary. Contact the prescriber or anticoagulation service promptly when planning pregnancy or if pregnancy occurs; do not stop treatment independently.
dabigatran etexilate mesilate while breastfeeding
Product information advises stopping breastfeeding during treatment. UK specialist guidance says dabigatran may be used when clinically indicated for a full-term, healthy infant, although evidence is very limited and monitoring for bruising or blood in urine, vomit or stools is advised. Discuss the choice with the prescriber or a specialist service.
dabigatran etexilate mesilate interactions
Check prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products before starting or stopping them. Important examples include:
Other anticoagulants
Usually cause an unacceptable bleeding risk when combined, except during carefully managed switching or specified specialist use.
Aspirin, clopidogrel and other antiplatelets
Can substantially increase bleeding risk.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Can increase gastrointestinal and other bleeding, particularly with ongoing use.
Common questions about dabigatran etexilate mesilate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dabigatran etexilate mesilate a blood thinner?
It is an anticoagulant. It does not literally thin blood; it blocks thrombin so harmful clots form less readily.
Can the capsules be opened or crushed?
No. Swallow them whole with water because opening them can increase absorption and bleeding risk.
Can it be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.