Key takeaways:
Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a blood thinner used to treat and prevent blood clots. The most common Pradaxa dosage for adults is 150 mg twice daily. But you may take 220 mg once daily after hip surgery.
You may need a lower Pradaxa dosage or to avoid it altogether if you’re living with kidney problems.
Pradaxa dosages for children are based on age and body weight. Dosages can also vary between the capsules and oral pellets. A prescriber will calculate the correct dose and provide you with instructions for giving Pradaxa to your child.
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Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a prescription-only medication that helps prevent and treat blood clots. It’s part of a group of blood thinner medications called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Pradaxa is used for conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Your dosage will depend on your age and why you’re taking it.
Here, we’ll review the FDA-approved Pradaxa dosages for adults and children, along with what to do if you miss a dose. Be sure to follow your prescriber’s instructions, even if they differ from the dosages listed here.
What is the recommended Pradaxa dosage for adults?
Pradaxa capsules come in 75 mg, 110 mg, and 150 mg doses. The recommended Pradaxa dosage for an adult depends on what condition is being treated.
Preventing stroke with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat. For people with nonvalvular AFib, the usual Pradaxa dosage is 150 mg by mouth twice daily.
Treatment and prevention of DVT and PE
For treating DVT (blood clot in the legs) or PE (blood clot in the lungs), the usual Pradaxa dosage is 150 mg by mouth twice daily. With either of these conditions, you’ll typically receive another, injectable blood thinner for 5 to 10 days before starting Pradaxa.
You may continue taking Pradaxa 150 mg twice daily to prevent another DVT or PE from occurring once your initial treatment is finished.
Prevention of DVT and PE after hip replacement surgery
After hip replacement surgery, the recommended Pradaxa dosage is:
110 mg as a first dose (1-4 hours after surgery, once bleeding is controlled)
220 mg once daily for 28-35 days after the first dose
If you aren’t able to start Pradaxa on the day of your surgery, you may skip the first dose and start with 220 mg once daily.
What is the recommended Pradaxa dosage for children?
Pradaxa capsules are approved to treat and prevent DVT and PE in children ages 8 to 17. Your child must be able to swallow the capsules whole. The recommended dosage depends on your child’s age and body weight, as shown in the chart below.
Body weight (ages 8-17 only) | Pradaxa capsule dosage |
|---|---|
11 kg - less than 16 kg | 75 mg twice daily |
16 kg - less than 26 kg | 110 mg twice daily |
26 kg - less than 41 kg | 150 mg twice daily |
41 kg - less than 61 kg | 185 mg twice daily |
61 kg - less than 81 kg | 220 mg twice daily |
81 kg or more | 260 mg twice daily |
Pradaxa capsules come in 75 mg, 110 mg, and 150 mg doses. You may need to combine different capsules in order to give your child the correct dose. For example, you would need to give your child one 110 mg capsule and one 75 mg capsule for a 185 mg dose. Be sure to keep the capsules in their original container to avoid mistakes when combining doses.
Pradaxa oral pellets
Pradaxa also comes in packets that contain oral pellets. These are approved to treat and prevent DVT and PE in children ages 3 months to 11 years who are able to swallow soft foods. The Pradaxa oral pellets are not interchangeable with the capsules. So the recommended dosages aren’t the same.
Recommended Pradaxa oral pellet dosages for infants and children under age 2 are based on age and body weight. A prescriber will give you instructions for giving your child Pradaxa, including how long to give it. Be sure to check in with them often, as the dosage will likely change as your infant grows.
The recommended Pradaxa pellet dosages for children ages 2 to 11 are shown in the chart below.
Body weight (ages 2-11 only) | Pradaxa oral pellet dosage |
|---|---|
7 kg - less than 9 kg | 70 mg twice daily |
9 kg - less than 11 kg | 90 mg twice daily |
11 kg - less than 13 kg | 110 mg twice daily |
13 kg - less than 16 kg | 140 mg twice daily |
16 kg - less than 21 kg | 170 mg twice daily |
21 kg - less than 41 kg | 220 mg twice daily |
41 kg or more | 260 mg twice daily |
Pradaxa oral pellets come in the following doses:
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
50 mg
110 mg
150 mg
You may need to mix different packets to get your child’s correct dose. For example, you would need one 20 mg packet and one 150 mg packet for a 170 mg dose. Be sure to keep packets in the original containers and clearly labeled to avoid mistakes when mixing different doses.
You can mix a packet of Pradaxa oral pellets with 1 oz to 2 oz of apple juice or 2 tsp of room-temperature:
Mashed carrots
Apple sauce
Mashed banana
You should give the mixed dose to your child within 30 minutes of preparing it. Don’t mix Pradaxa oral pellets with formula, milk, or soft foods other than those listed above.
Are there any dosage adjustments for Pradaxa?
Certain health conditions and potential drug interactions may require a different Pradaxa dosage than described above.
Pradaxa dosage for severe kidney problems
Your kidneys help remove Pradaxa from your body. If your kidneys aren’t working well, Pradaxa levels can build up and raise your risk of bleeding. More severe kidney problems may require a lower Pradaxa dosage of 75 mg twice daily in adults. But in some cases, Pradaxa should be avoided altogether.
Pradaxa dosage for mild-to-moderate kidney problems with certain medications
You may also need a lower Pradaxa dosage if you’re living with mild-to-moderate kidney problems and take a medication that interacts with Pradaxa. Your prescriber will let you know if this applies to you. Just be sure to provide them with a list of all the medications and supplements you take.
What happens if you miss a dose of Pradaxa?
If you miss a dose of Pradaxa, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s less than 6 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the regular time. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
If you miss multiple doses of Pradaxa in a row, contact your healthcare team for guidance.
What should you do if you take too much Pradaxa?
Taking an extra dose of Pradaxa by mistake isn’t likely to cause a major issue. But side effects, such as heartburn or upset stomach, may be more likely. You may also notice minor bleeding, such as when brushing your teeth, until the extra dose wears off.
Taking a large amount of Pradaxa can lead to serious bleeding that may be life-threatening. If you or a loved one takes too much Pradaxa, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or a prescriber right away. If significant bleeding occurs, seek emergency care immediately.
How to save on the cost of Pradaxa
Pradaxa capsules are available as a brand-name medication as well as a lower-cost generic.
GoodRx could help you save over 60% off the average retail price of generic Pradaxa capsules. A monthly prescription of generic Pradaxa capsules may cost as little as $55.41 with a free GoodRx discount.
Bottom line
Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a blood thinner used to treat and prevent blood clots. The most common Pradaxa dosage for adults is 150 mg twice daily. But you may take 220 mg once daily after hip surgery. You may need a lower Pradaxa dosage if you’re living with kidney problems.
Pradaxa dosages for children depend on age and body weight. They can also vary between the capsules and the oral pellets. A prescriber will provide the correct dose and instructions for giving Pradaxa to your child.
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References
Alembic Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Dabigatran etexilate - dabigatran etexilate capsule [package insert].
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Pradaxa - dabigatran etexilate pellet [package insert].
Ganetsky, M., et al. (2011). Dabigatran: Review of pharmacology and management of bleeding complications of this novel oral anticoagulant. Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2018). Pradaxa (dabigatran).
MedlinePlus. (2025). Dabigatran.
