Q: How long does it take for Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) to have maximum effect after taking a dose?

Answer: 4 hours

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is an oral anticoagulant now preferred in A.fib. for stroke prevention as well as for other needs where anticoagulation is needed (like DVT prophylaxis after knee surgery).

Rivaroxaban is very well absorbed from the gut and maximum inhibition of factor Xa occurs four hours after a dose. The effects lasts 8–12 hours, but as factor Xa activity does not return to normal within 24 hours, only daily dosing is enough.