prasugreel

Prasugrel is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots. It belongs to a class of drugs known as thienopyridines, which are P2Y12 platelet inhibitors. Prasugrel is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form in the body. The active metabolite irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, which plays a crucial role in platelet aggregation. By inhibiting this receptor, prasugrel reduces the ability of platelets to clump together and form clots.

Prasugrel is primarily prescribed to patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure to open blocked coronary arteries. It is often used in conjunction with aspirin as part of a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen. This combination helps to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and other thrombotic cardiovascular events following PCI.

The effectiveness of prasugrel in reducing cardiovascular events must be weighed against its associated risks, most notably bleeding. Due to its potent antiplatelet effect, prasugrel increases the risk of bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to severe, life-threatening hemorrhages. Therefore, its use is contraindicated in certain patient populations, including those with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), active bleeding, or hypersensitivity to the drug. Careful patient selection and monitoring are essential when prescribing prasugrel.