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Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)

Bayer · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is a Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) Small molecule drug developed by Bayer. It is currently FDA-approved for Atrial fibrillation for stroke and systemic embolism prevention, Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), Prophylaxis of DVT and PE following hip replacement surgery. Also known as: Pradaxa.

Dabigatran etexilate is a prodrug that converts to dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor that blocks the final step of the coagulation cascade.

Dabigatran etexilate, also known as Pradaxa, is a small molecule medication used to treat conditions such as Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke. It works by inhibiting thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting process.

At a glance

Generic nameDabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)
Also known asPradaxa
SponsorBayer
Drug classDirect thrombin inhibitor (DTI)
TargetThrombin (Factor IIa)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Dabigatran etexilate is rapidly converted by esterase enzymes in the blood to its active form, dabigatran. Dabigatran directly inhibits thrombin (Factor IIa), a key serine protease responsible for converting fibrinogen to fibrin and amplifying the coagulation cascade. By blocking thrombin activity, it prevents clot formation without requiring antithrombin III as a cofactor, unlike warfarin and heparin-based anticoagulants.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)

What is Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is a Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) drug developed by Bayer, indicated for Atrial fibrillation for stroke and systemic embolism prevention, Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), Prophylaxis of DVT and PE following hip replacement surgery.

How does Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) work?

Dabigatran etexilate is a prodrug that converts to dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor that blocks the final step of the coagulation cascade.

What is Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) used for?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is indicated for Atrial fibrillation for stroke and systemic embolism prevention, Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), Prophylaxis of DVT and PE following hip replacement surgery.

Who makes Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is developed and marketed by Bayer (see full Bayer pipeline at /company/bayer).

Is Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) also known as anything else?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is also known as Pradaxa.

What drug class is Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) in?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) belongs to the Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) class. See all Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) drugs at /class/direct-thrombin-inhibitor-dti.

What development phase is Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) in?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)?

Common side effects of Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) include Bleeding (major and minor), Dyspepsia/gastrointestinal discomfort, Gastritis, Abdominal pain, Headache.

What does Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) target?

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) targets Thrombin (Factor IIa) and is a Direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing