Tirofiban

Generic name: tirofiban [ tye-roe-FYE-ban ]
Brand name: Aggrastat
Dosage form: intravenous solution (250 mcg/mL; 50 mcg/mL)
Drug class: Glycoprotein platelet inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tirofiban?

Tirofiban is used to prevent blood clots or heart attack in people with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in those who are undergoing a procedure called angioplasty (to open blocked arteries).

Tirofiban may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tirofiban side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tirofiban increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• bleeding around your IV or catheter; or

• any bleeding that will not stop.

You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have bloody or tarry stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.

Common side effects of tirofiban may include:

• dizziness;

• slow heart rate;

• leg pain, pelvic pain; or

• swelling, increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not receive tirofiban if you have any active internal bleeding (stomach, intestines, etc), a history of bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, if you have ever had low blood platelets after being treated with tirofiban, or if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 30 days.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with tirofiban if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• any active internal bleeding (stomach, intestines, etc);

• a history of bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• if you have ever had low blood platelets after being treated with tirofiban; or

• if you have had any type of surgery, injury, or medical emergency within the past 30 days.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, especially if you are also taking aspirin.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is tirofiban given?

Tirofiban is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

While using tirofiban, you may need frequent blood tests.

Tirofiban dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Coronary Syndrome:

Initial dose: 25 mcg/kg IV within 5 minutes
Maintenance dose: 0.15 mcg/kg/min IV infusion for up to 18 hours

Use: To reduce the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive tirofiban in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving tirofiban?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID during or shortly after treatment with tirofiban may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avoid drinking alcohol while receiving tirofiban. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

What other drugs will affect tirofiban?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• clopidogrel, ticlopidine,

• dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin;

• desirudin, dabigatran, fondaparinux.

• dipyridamole; or

• warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect tirofiban, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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