Ticagrelor is a blood thinner and antiplatelet medication used to enhance blood flow and reduce the risk ofΒ life-threatening blood clots. It is available by prescription in oral tablet form and is marketed under the brand name Brilinta. Ticagrelor is often prescribed as part of a multi-drug regimen to maximize effectiveness, playing a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Ticagrelor Uses
Prevention of Heart Attack or Stroke:Β Used to avoid serious or life-threatening heart attacks, strokes, andΒ acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):Β Reduces the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in people with CAD.
Stroke Management:Β Helps people experiencing a mild to moderate stroke or a transient ischemic attack minimize their odds of having another, more severe stroke.
Ticagrelor works by stopping platelets (a form of blood cell) from clumping together and causing a heart attack or stroke.
Side Effects of Ticagrelor
Common Side Effects:
Dizziness
Bleeding more easily than normal
Increased level of uric acid in the body
Headache
Nausea & vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Serious Side Effects:
If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. The doctor may change the prescribed dose or medication.
Precautions Before Using Ticagrelor
Allergies:Β Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ticagrelor or any other medications. The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions.
Medical History:Β Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions, such as:
Bleeding problems
Bleeding in the brain
Hemophilia
Ulcers
Gout
Liver disease
Trauma
Heart rhythm problems
How to Use Ticagrelor
Dosage Form:Β Oral tablet
Administration:Β Usually taken with or without food twice a day, around the same time every day as prescribed. Do not take more or less than your doctor has prescribed.
If You Can’t Swallow Tablets:Β Crush them and mix with water. Drink the mixture immediately, then refill the glass with water, stir, and drink again.
Through NG Tube:Β Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to prepare ticagrelor to be given through a nasogastric (NG) tube if you have one.
Consistency:Β Take it daily as prescribed to avoid severe heart and blood vessel issues. Do not quit taking it without consulting your physician.
Dosage of Ticagrelor (Brand & Generic)
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS):
Generic:Β Ticagrelor
Form:Β Oral tablet
Strengths:Β 60 mg, 90 mg
Brand:Β Brilinta
Form:Β Oral tablet
Strengths:Β 60 mg, 90 mg
Adult Dosage:
First-Day Dose:Β 180 mg
Maintenance Dose:Β 90 mg twice daily
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately as it can lead to serious health issues.
Usage Warnings for Certain Health Conditions
Intracranial Hemorrhage:Β Do not take this medicine if you’ve ever hadΒ bleeding inside your skull, as Ticagrelor increases the likelihood of another intracranial hemorrhage.
Active Bleeding:Β Do not use if you have active bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer, as it may cause more bleeding.
Surgery:Β Inform your doctor or dentist that you’re taking Ticagrelor before any surgery or dental operation. They will advise you when to stop and restart using this medicine after surgery.
Pregnancy:Β Not approved for use during pregnancy. Consult a doctor for a more appropriate prescription.
Breastfeeding:Β Consult your doctor about the advantages and drawbacks of taking Ticagrelor while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68ΒΊF and 77ΒΊF (20ΒΊC and 25ΒΊC).
Keep away from direct contact with heat, air, and light.
Store in a safe place out of childrenβs reach.
Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel
Ticagrelor
Clopidogrel
Belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelet agents. It works by stopping platelets from clumping together and causing a heart attack or stroke.
Belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelet agents. It works similarly to Ticagrelor by stopping platelets from clumping together.
Blood thinner and antiplatelet drug that increases blood flow and reduces the likelihood of a lethal blood clot.
Blood thinner used alone or with aspirin to avoid serious heart and blood vessel complications in people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or extreme chest pain.
Common side effects: Nausea, dizziness, bleeding more easily, increased uric acid.
Common side effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.
