Question 1

What is Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

Accepted Answer

Aggrastat (tirofiban) is an [antiplatelet medication](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/heart/anti-platelet-medication-comparison), which means it prevents your [platelets](https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/platelet-information.html) (cell fragments in blood) from sticking together to form a blood clot. This medication prevents platelets from clumping together by blocking proteins called [glycoprotein (GP) 2b and 3a receptors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2663484/) that are found on the surface of platelets. By doing so, blood clots are less likely to form, get to the heart, and cause problems. As a result, Aggrastat (tirofiban) can lower the risk of complications of blood clots near the heart (e.g., heart attack, death) in people with a serious heart condition called [non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circimaging.111.970699). A common symptom of this condition is [chest pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217799/) when you're at rest.

Question 2

How is Aggrastat (tirofiban) given?

Accepted Answer

Aggrastat (tirofiban) is typically injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. The dose of this medication depends on your weight. Some hospitals also have specific protocols that providers follow on how much Aggrastat (tirofiban) to give. The manufacturer's recommended dose is 25 mcg/kg of body weight injected in your veins over at most 5 minutes, then 0.15 mcg/kg per minute continuously for up to 18 hours. Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems. Typically, Aggrastat (tirofiban) starts preventing blood clots from forming within [10 minutes](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=fe0ced75-ccbf-4d2e-bd0d-b57e60ab913f&type=display#section-11.1:~:text=is%20attained%20within-,10%20minutes,-.%20Platelet%20aggregation%20inhibition) of injection when it's given at the manufacturer's recommended dose.

Question 3

Are there any risks with Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

Accepted Answer

Receiving Aggrastat (tirofiban) can raise your risk for bleeds. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can help prevent blood clots from forming, such as [heparin](https://www.goodrx.com/heparin-sodium/what-is), [clopidogrel (Plavix)](https://www.goodrx.com/clopidogrel/what-is), or [aspirin](https://www.goodrx.com/aspirin/what-is). These medications can also [cause bleeding](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/side-effects/easy-bruising-for-no-reason-medication-side-effect) just like Aggrastat (tirofiban) can. In addition, receiving Aggrastat (tirofiban) can cause your [platelet count to drop](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/thrombocytopenia) too low, which also raises your risk of bleeding. You're likely given [multiple medications](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000134) to help prevent blood clots from forming (and thus have high risk for bleeding) when you have a [non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217799/). So, your providers will observe you very closely for any signs of bleeding while you're hospitalized. They'll also check your [blood counts](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/diagnostics/cbc-medical-abbreviations) often. Let your provider know right away if you cough up blood or notice bleeds that are difficult to stop, especially in areas where a [heart catheter](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cardiac-catheterization) or intravenous (IV) line was inserted.

Question 4

What other medications will I receive with Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

Accepted Answer

During your hospital stay, you'll typically receive [other medications](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000134) in addition to Aggrastat (tirofiban) to protect your heart. Some examples are cholesterol medications (e.g., [atorvastatin (Lipitor)](https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is)), medications to prevent chest pain (e.g., [nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)](https://www.goodrx.com/nitroglycerin/what-is)), and anticoagulants (e.g., [heparin](https://www.goodrx.com/heparin-sodium/what-is)). In particular, [anticoagulants](https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/what-are-anticoagulants-and-antiplatelet-agents.pdf) (medications that slow down the blood clotting process) often work with antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots from forming and causing serious heart problems. In fact, one study showed that adults who received Aggrastat (tirofiban) with heparin and [aspirin](https://www.goodrx.com/aspirin/what-is) were [less likely](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199805213382102) to experience death, heart attack, or recurrent chest pain in the hospital than those who received heparin and aspirin only. If you have questions about the medications you're given in the hospital, talk to your provider.

Question 5

What are some side effects of Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

Accepted Answer

The most common side effect of Aggrastat (tirofiban) is bleeding. In clinical studies, about 11% of people who were given Aggrastat (tirofiban) with [heparin](https://www.goodrx.com/heparin-sodium/what-is) experienced having bloody urine, dark stool, or coughing or vomiting up coffee-ground bits. These are all signs of bleeding. Your providers will observe you very closely for any signs of bleeding during treatment with Aggrastat (tirofiban). People have also experienced pelvic pain, leg pain, slow heart rate, and dizziness after they received Aggrastat (tirofiban). Tell your provider right away if you experience any of these side effects any time after injection.

Question 6

Who should be careful about receiving Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

Accepted Answer

If you have kidney problems, you might be at higher risk of having side effects from Aggrastat (tirofiban), including uncontrolled bleeding. When the kidneys aren't able to get rid of the medication from your body well, the amount of medication can build up in your body and raise your risk of harmful effects. If you have kidney problems, your provider might lower how much Aggrastat (tirofiban) you get to make sure it's safe for you. In addition, because of the risk of bleeding, Aggrastat (tirofiban) isn't recommended for people who have active internal bleeding or who have had major surgery or trauma in the past month. It's also not recommended if you've had an episode of low platelets after receiving this medication in the past. Talk with a provider about your medical history before receiving Aggrastat (tirofiban).

tirofiban

What is Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

What is Aggrastat (tirofiban) used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Aggrastat

Aggrastat (tirofiban) dosage

Typical dosage for Aggrastat (tirofiban)

Aggrastat (tirofiban) contraindications

What are alternatives to Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

References

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Common questions about Aggrastat

What is Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

What is Aggrastat (tirofiban) used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Aggrastat

What is Aggrastat?

How is Aggrastat given?

Are there any risks with Aggrastat?

What other medications will I receive with Aggrastat?

What are some side effects of Aggrastat?

Who should be careful about receiving Aggrastat?

Aggrastat (tirofiban) dosage

Typical dosage for Aggrastat (tirofiban)

Aggrastat (tirofiban) contraindications

What are alternatives to Aggrastat (tirofiban)?

References

View All References (8)

Common questions about Aggrastat

What is Aggrastat?

How is Aggrastat given?

Are there any risks with Aggrastat?

What other medications will I receive with Aggrastat?

What are some side effects of Aggrastat?

Who should be careful about receiving Aggrastat?