IT should NOT BE used as a PIP. The whole rationale is that, as soon as you are in AF, you are at risk of a stroke. Some authorities say the first 12-24 hours are low risk, but I don't buy it. The problem lies in the poor flushing of the left atrial appendage due to the chaotic rhythm. If there is a chaotic rhythm, doesn't the poor flushing start at the same time? And if that poor flushing can lead to stale blood that wants to congeal, and then to clot, won't that clotting be dangerous if it dets dislodged when the heart lurches back into normal sinus rhythm? Yewbetcha!
The DOACs (direct acting oral anticoagulants) are meant for prophylaxis...meaning prevention. You can't prevent a stroke when it's already taking place! You want the prophylaxis in place before it is needed....right? So, once you get a diagnosis of AF, you should be placed on a DOAC immediately and take it continuously until you are deemed to be free of a risk of a stroke from AF...meaning the AF is strictly controlled. Since that risk is always there, most electrophysiologists and cardiologists will insist that you take a DOAC for the rest of your life. You can always return to AF, as happens in about 50% of all ablation cases. When you do, not if you do, when, you'd want your system to be infused with a DOAC.
What you can take for PIP are anti-arrhythmic drugs like Flecainide or diltiazem, or propafenone, which are relatively fast-acting (40 minutes to a couple of hours, typically). https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/2992/what-is-pill-in-the-pocket-for-atrial-fibrillation/