Dabigatran acts through competitive and reversible inhibition of both free and fibrin-bound thrombin activity. By inhibiting thrombin, it blocks the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, which forms the clot. Additionally, it inhibits the activity of Factor XIII, which is responsible for clot stabilization (fibrin does not assume its cross-linked, stabilized form). As a result of the drug's action, thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is inhibited.
Dabigatran is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but its bioavailability is low, ranging from 3–7%. Peak plasma concentration is reached 0.5–2 hours after oral administration. Reduced absorption and prolonged time to peak concentration (approximately 6 hours) have been observed in postoperative patients (particularly on the first day after surgery). Co-administration with food also delays time to peak concentration by approximately 2 hours. Administration of the drug without the HPMC capsule shell increases bioavailability by approximately 75%; therefore, proper administration must be observed (the capsule must be swallowed whole).
Dabigatran is 34–35% bound to plasma proteins.
The drug, in the form of dabigatran etexilate, is a prodrug that undergoes conversion to the pharmacologically active dabigatran. The principal metabolic reaction of dabigatran is esterase-mediated hydrolysis. Cytochrome P450 is not involved in the metabolism of this drug.
Dabigatran is excreted 85% unchanged in the urine, while the remaining portion of the dose is excreted as glucuronide conjugates in bile via the feces. The elimination half-life following repeated dosing is 12–14 hours.
⚠️ Warnings
The use of dabigatran may cause major bleeding (at any site). The risk of bleeding is increased in patients over 75 years of age, those with congenital coagulation disorders, patients concurrently receiving antiplatelet agents, etc. In cases of very severe bleeding, treatment must be discontinued. Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., pantoprazole, omeprazole) are recommended for bleeding prevention.
Assessment of dabigatran's anticoagulant effect using the International Normalized Ratio (INR) does not yield reliable results; therefore, other methods are recommended, such as the dilute thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and ecarin clotting time.
Planned surgical procedures may require discontinuation of dabigatran due to the risk of major bleeding. This does not apply to cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Prolonged drug clearance in patients with renal impairment should be taken into account. The required interval between the last dose of dabigatran and the start of surgery is 24 hours, and for more invasive procedures, 2–4 days. When emergency surgery is required, the specific reversal agent for dabigatran (idarucizumab) is administered. In such situations, resumption of dabigatran is possible after 24 hours, provided the patient's condition is stable.
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Verified by medical editor
Dr. Ozarchuk, PharmD · April 2026
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