Pradaxa 150 mg: An Overview
Pradaxa 150 mg is an oral anticoagulant that contains dabigatran etexilate as its active ingredient. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke. Pradaxa is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are blood clots that occur in the veins of the legs and lungs, respectively.
How does Pradaxa 150 mg work?
Pradaxa 150 mg works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, which is a protein that is involved in the blood clotting process. By blocking thrombin, Pradaxa prevents the formation of blood clots in the arteries and veins, which can cause serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.
Pradaxa 150 mg dosage
The usual dose of Pradaxa 150 mg is one capsule taken twice a day, with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed or chewed. The dosage of Pradaxa may be adjusted based on the patient’s age, weight, renal function, or the presence of other medical conditions that may affect the risk of bleeding.
Pradaxa 150 mg side effects
Like any other medication, Pradaxa 150 mg may cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of Pradaxa include:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Less common but more serious side effects of Pradaxa include:
- Life-threatening bleeding
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Severe allergic reaction
- Liver damage
Who should not take Pradaxa 150 mg?
Pradaxa 150 mg is not suitable for everyone. People who have the following conditions should not take Pradaxa:
- An artificial heart valve
- A history of severe bleeding or bleeding disorders
- Severe liver disease
- Severe renal impairment
- Allergy to dabigatran or any of the ingredients in Pradaxa
What are the precautions when taking Pradaxa 150 mg?
Before taking Pradaxa, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medical conditions they have, such as liver or kidney problems, bleeding disorders, or recent surgery. Patients should also let their healthcare provider know if they are taking any other medications or supplements, as some drugs may interact with Pradaxa and increase the risk of bleeding.
Patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bruising or bleeding from the gums, nose, or rectum. They should also avoid activities that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as contact sports, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or standing, especially in people over 75 years of age.
What to do in case of a missed dose?
If a dose of Pradaxa is missed, patients should take it as soon as they remember, but they should not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. If a patient has missed a dose of Pradaxa and is not sure what to do, they should seek advice from their healthcare provider.
How to store Pradaxa 150 mg?
Pradaxa capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. They should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Conclusion
Pradaxa 150 mg is a medication used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, a protein that is involved in blood clotting. However, like any other medication, Pradaxa may cause side effects in some people. Patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of bleeding and inform their healthcare provider of any medical conditions or medications they are taking before starting Pradaxa treatment.
FAQs about Pradaxa 150 mg
- What is Pradaxa 150 mg used for?
- How does Pradaxa 150 mg work?
- How is Pradaxa 150 mg taken?
- What are the side effects of Pradaxa 150 mg?
- Who should not take Pradaxa 150 mg?
- What precautions should be taken when taking Pradaxa 150 mg?
Pradaxa 150 mg is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) or to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Pradaxa 150 mg works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, a protein that is involved in blood clotting, to prevent the formation of blood clots in the arteries and veins.
The usual dose of Pradaxa 150 mg is one capsule taken twice a day, with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed or chewed.
The common side effects of Pradaxa include nausea, stomach upset, indigestion, abdominal pain, and headache. The less common but serious side effects of Pradaxa include life-threatening bleeding, stroke, heart attack, severe allergic reaction, and liver damage.
People who have an artificial heart valve, a history of severe bleeding or bleeding disorders, severe liver disease, severe renal impairment, or allergy to dabigatran or any of the ingredients in Pradaxa should not take Pradaxa 150 mg.
Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any medical conditions, medications, or supplements they are taking before starting Pradaxa treatment. Patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of bleeding and avoid activities that may increase the risk of bleeding.