Rivaroxaban is an oral anticoagulant. It is an orally active direct factor Xa inhibitor. Rivaroxaban is well absorbed from the gut and maximum inhibition of factor Xa occurs four hours after a dose. The effects lasts 8 to 12 hours, but factor Xa activity does not return to normal within 24 hours so once-daily dosing is possible.

There is currently no specific way to reverse the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban in the event of a major bleeding event, unlike warfarin.

Rivaroxaban can be used to prevent strokes in those with atrial fibrillation due to causes other than heart valvedisease, and at least one additional risk factor for stroke (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, and prior stroke)

Rivaroxaban can also be used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins (deep venous thrombosis) in adults who have had an operation to replace a hip or knee and for treatment and prevention of acute deep venous thrombosis in adults. It can not be used for prevention of venous thrombosis in hospitalized medically ill patients.