Ticagrelor is prescribed to individuals with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction to lower the risk of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Ticagrelor is also used to lower the risk of a first myocardial infarction or stroke in people with coronary artery disease who are at high risk.
Ticagrelor is a P2Y12 receptor antagonist that prevents thrombosis and hence lowers the risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. It has a moderate duration of action because it is used twice day, and it has a broad therapeutic index because high single doses are easily tolerated. Patients should be counselled of the possibility of bleeding, dyspnea, and bradyarrhythmias.
Ticagrelor is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-3 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 7 hours, which means that it is cleared from the body relatively quickly. Ticagrelor is metabolized in the liver and is primarily excreted in the feces.
Ticagrelor has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with ACS. In the PLATO trial, which compared ticagrelor to clopidogrel in over 18,000 patients with ACS, ticagrelor was found to be superior in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke. Ticagrelor was also associated with a lower risk of stent thrombosis, a serious complication that can occur after PCI.
Like all medications, ticagrelor can cause side effects. The most common side effects of ticagrelor include bleeding, shortness of breath, and nausea. Bleeding is the most serious side effect and can occur anywhere in the body. Ticagrelor may also increase the risk of bleeding in patients who are taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin.
