Apixaban (Eliquis) Tablet Dosage Guide in Pakistan

Apixaban dose differs by indication. This guide provides complete details on correct doses for AF, DVT/PE, and post-surgical VTE, dose reduction criteria, and how to take it.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Dosage Guide

Quick Answer

Apixaban dose varies by indication. For AF stroke prevention the standard dose is 5mg twice daily (BD) — or 2.5mg BD if age ≥80, weight ≤60kg, or creatinine ≥133 µmol/L, with at least 2 of these criteria. For DVT/PE treatment: 10mg BD x 7 days then 5mg BD. Always follow the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Dose at a Glance

Adult Dose

Indication-specific: AF 5mg BD (or 2.5mg BD if criteria met); DVT/PE 10mg BD x7d then 5mg BD; Post-surgical 2.5mg BD

Twice daily (BD) — most indications

Max: Do not exceed prescribed dose — indication-specific maximum

Child Dose (Not used in children)

Not indicated in children

N/A

Missed Dose

If remembered on the same day, take it. Resume normal schedule at the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose. If a dose is missed in AF, inform your doctor.

Overdose

In case of apixaban overdose there is a severe bleeding risk. Contact a doctor or emergency services immediately. Andexanet alfa is the specific reversal agent but is not widely available in Pakistan — supportive/haemostatic management is required.

Apixaban (Eliquis) Tablet Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

The correct dose of Apixaban depends on the indication. Verified dosage for each indication is provided below.

Adult Dose — By Indication (Indication ke mutabiq)

AF Stroke Prevention (Atrial Fibrillation)

Criteria	Dose
Standard (no reduction criteria)	5mg twice daily (BD)
≥2 of: age ≥80, weight ≤60kg, creatinine ≥133 µmol/L	2.5mg twice daily (BD)

ARISTOTLE Dose Reduction Criteria: When a patient meets ≥2 criteria, the dose is automatically reduced to 2.5mg BD. With only 1 criterion, dose reduction does not apply.

DVT aur PE Treatment

Phase	Dose
Days 1-7 (loading)	10mg twice daily (BD)
Day 8 onwards (maintenance)	5mg twice daily (BD)

Post-Surgical VTE Prophylaxis (Hip/Knee Replacement)

2.5mg twice daily — started 12-24 hours after surgery, duration based on surgery type (hip: 32-38 days; knee: 10-14 days)

Recurrent VTE Prevention

2.5mg twice daily — after minimum 6 months treatment

Child Dose (Bachon ke liye)

Apixaban is not indicated for children. Paediatric use is not applicable.

How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

Twice daily (BD) — approximately 12-hour intervals
With or without food — both are acceptable
Avoid crushing the tablet or breaking it in half if possible
Same times daily — routine crucial for stable anticoagulation

Best Time to Take (Kab leni chahiye)

Morning and night — approximately 12 hours apart
Maintain a consistent schedule — anticoagulation effect remains stable

Missed Dose (Dose chhoot jaye to kya karein)

If remembered on the same day, take it
Then resume normal schedule at the next scheduled dose
Do not take a double dose
In AF, do not miss doses — stroke risk may increase — inform your doctor

Overdose (Zyada Dose)

In case of overdose there is a severe bleeding risk — contact a doctor or emergency services immediately. Andexanet alfa (reversal agent) is not widely available or affordable in Pakistan. Supportive/haemostatic management will be provided in a hospital setting.

Dose Summary Table

Indication	Dose	Frequency
AF (standard)	5mg	Twice daily (BD)
AF (dose-reduced)	2.5mg	Twice daily (BD)
DVT/PE — loading (d1-7)	10mg	Twice daily (BD)
DVT/PE — maintenance	5mg	Twice daily (BD)
Post-surgical VTE	2.5mg	Twice daily (BD)
Recurrent VTE prevention	2.5mg	Twice daily (BD)

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always confirm the dose with your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apixaban ki AF ke liye dose kitni hai?

For AF stroke prevention, the standard dose is 5mg BD (twice daily). If the patient has ≥2 of: age ≥80, weight ≤60kg, serum creatinine ≥133 µmol/L — the dose is reduced to 2.5mg BD. The doctor will decide.

DVT/PE mein apixaban ki dose kya hai?

For DVT/PE treatment: 10mg twice daily x 7 days (loading), then 5mg twice daily maintenance. Do not change the dose without a doctor's prescription.

Apixaban khane ke saath leni chahiye ya baghair?

Apixaban can be taken with or without food — food does not significantly affect it (unlike warfarin). If stomach upset occurs, taking after food is better.

Dose miss ho jaye to kya karein?

If remembered on the same day, take it. Resume normal schedule at the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose under any circumstances. In AF, do not miss doses — stroke risk increases — inform your doctor.

Apixaban surgery se pehle band kab karni chahiye?

For elective surgery it is typically stopped 24-48 hours beforehand — depending on bleeding risk. Coordination between the surgeon and prescribing doctor is essential. Do not stop on your own.

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.