Eptifibatide

Eptifibatide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Eptifibatide is a brand name. Its generic name is Eptifibatide.

Introduction

Eptifibatide is a cyclic heptapeptide used to prevent thrombosis (formation of blood clots) in patients with unstable angina or coronary artery disease. It is often referred to as a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.

Uses for

Eptifibatide is used to prevent thrombosis (blood clots) in patients with unstable angina or coronary artery disease. It is also used to treat additional cardiac disorders such as myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Mechanism of Action

Eptifibatide works by blocking the platelet glycoprotein IIb / IIIa receptor, preventing the binding of fibrinogen to platelets, and thus blocking the formation of a thrombus.

How Long Does it take to Work?

Eptifibatide usually starts to work within 20 minutes of administration. The full therapeutic effect of Eptifibatide can be accomplished in as little as an hour.

Absorption

Eptifibatide is rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration and its bioavailability is approximately 100%.

Route of Elimination

Eptifibatide is eliminated from the body primarily by the kidneys.

Dosage

The standard recommended dose of Eptifibatide is 180 µg/Kg (maximum of 18 mg) administered by intravenous infusion over 10 minutes. The infusion should be repeated with 90 µg/Kg (maximum of 9 mg) over one hour, followed by an additional infusion of 0.75 µg/Kg/minute (maximum of 7.5 mg per hour) as required.

Administration

Eptifibatide should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. It should be given as an intravenous infusion.

Side Effects

Eptifibatide may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, back pain, chest pain, diarrhea, weakness, and rash. If any of these side effects are experienced, the patient should contact their physician immediately.

Toxicity

Eptifibatide is generally well tolerated. Overdose of Eptifibatide may cause serious hypotension, which may be treated with intravenous fluids and/or vasodilators.

Precaution

Eptifibatide should be used with caution in patients with a history of bleeding disorders or any other conditions in which bleeding is a risk.

Interaction

Eptifibatide is known to interact with certain other drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and heparin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.

Disease Interaction

Eptifibatide may be contraindicated in certain patients with a history of bleeding disorders or any other conditions in which bleeding is a risk.

Drug Interaction

Eptifibatide may interact with certain other drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and heparin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.

Food Interactions

Eptifibatide is known to interact with certain foods, such as grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking Eptifibatide.

Pregnancy Use

Eptifibatide should not be used in pregnant women as safety in this population has not been established.

Lactation Use

Eptifibatide should be used with caution in breastfeeding women as it is not known if the drug passes into breast milk.

Acute Overdose

Overdose of Eptifibatide may cause serious hypotension, which may be treated with intravenous fluids and/or vasodilators. In cases of serious overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Contraindication

Eptifibatide is contraindicated in patients with a history of bleeding disorders, recent surgery, or any other conditions in which bleeding is a risk.

Use Direction

Eptifibatide must only be administered by a qualified medical practitioner. It must be given as an intravenous infusion per the instruction of the prescribing physician.

Storage Condition

Eptifibatide should be stored at a temperature between 20-25°C.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Eptifibatide is estimated as 118 liters.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of Eptifibatide is approximately 4.07 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Eptifibatide is estimated as 11 liters/hour.

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