Prasugrel: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Dosage

Prasugrel is an antiplatelet medicine used to prevent blood clots in people with heart conditions, especially those who have undergone procedures like angioplasty. It works by stopping platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming harmful clots that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Usually prescribed along with aspirin, Prasugrel helps maintain smoother blood flow in the arteries. Doctors typically recommend it for patients with acute coronary syndrome. While effective, it must be taken exactly as directed to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications.

What Is Prasugrel?

Prasugrel is an antiplatelet drug used to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome, particularly those who have undergone angioplasty after a recent heart attack or stroke. It works by inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Prasugrel Tablet Uses:

• Heart Attack and Chest Pain: Used in combination with aspirin to prevent heart attack and other heart-related issues.
• Mechanism: Belongs to the class of antiplatelet agents, it prevents platelet aggregation, crucial in avoiding heart attacks and strokes.

What Conditions Prasugrel Treats

• Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
• Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• Unstable angina
• Blood clot prevention after angioplasty or stent placement

Secondary Uses of Prasugrel

• Prevention of stroke in high-risk cardiac patients (as advised by a doctor)
• Used alongside aspirin for dual antiplatelet therapy

How Does Prasugrel Work?

• Prasugrel works by blocking a specific receptor (P2Y12) on the surface of platelets, which helps prevent them from clumping together to form clots.
• This action helps reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes in people with heart problems.
• It does not interact with hormones or the nervous system directly but targets blood components (platelets) to keep blood flowing smoothly.

Prasugrel Dosage

• Usually started with a single 60 mg loading dose, followed by a 10 mg daily maintenance dose, as prescribed by a doctor.
• For some patients (especially those under 60 kg), a lower daily dose of 5 mg may be recommended.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day.
• If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose - do not double up.

What Happens if an Overdose?

• Overdosing on Prasugrel may lead to severe or uncontrolled bleeding.
• Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.

Prasugrel Side Effects:

Prasugrel works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which reduces clot formation. However, this also increases the risk of bleeding. Side effects may occur due to reduced clotting ability, leading to bruising, nosebleeds, or more serious internal bleeding.

• Common Side Effects: Dizziness, excessive tiredness, pain in the back and arms, and cough.
• Serious Side Effects: Fever, weakness, paleness, purple patches on the skin, yellowing of the skin, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, headache, seizures, sudden weakness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blisters, decreased urination, rash, and swelling of the eyes.
• Severe bleeding (internal or external)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face/tongue)
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Confusion or unusual weakness (possible signs of a brain bleed)

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor of any allergies to prasugrel or related medications.
• Medical History: Disclose any history of blood disorders, bleeding problems, liver disease, intestinal ulcers, etc.

Prasugrel vs Ticagrelor:

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