Used as an anticoagulant to prevent and treat blood clots. It is indicated for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for prophylaxis following hip or knee replacement surgery. As a prodrug, it is converted in the body to its active form, dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, which provides predictable anticoagulation effects without the need for routine blood monitoring. The oral formulation offers a convenient alternative to warfarin, with fewer dietary restrictions and drug interactions.