Eptifibatide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Medicinal Eptifibatide?

What is eptifibatide for?

This medicine is generally used to keep platelets in the blood from thickening to prevent blood clots that can occur in certain heart or blood vessel conditions. In addition, this drug is also used to prevent blood clots or heart attacks in patients with severe chest pain or other conditions, and in patients undergoing angioplasty procedures (to open blocked arteries).

This medication may also be used for other purposes not listed in the medication guide.

How is eptifibatide used?

This drug is given by injection into a vein through an IV. You can receive an injection of this drug at a clinic or hospital. Sometimes this medicine is given at certain hours for 4 consecutive days.

If you received this medicine during an angioplasty procedure, it will be administered during the procedure and 24 hours after the procedure is complete.

Sometimes this medicine is given at the same time as aspirin. Follow your doctor's instructions on how much aspirin you should take and for how long.

To make sure this medication is helping your situation and to ensure that it will not cause harmful effects, you will need to have your blood checked. Visit your doctor regularly.
Because the way this medicine works is to prevent your blood from clotting or coagulating. prevent unwanted blood clots, this medication can also make you bleed easily, even from minor injuries. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical help if you experience bleeding that won't stop.

How is eptifibatide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Eptifibatide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of eptifibatide for adults?

Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:

Initial dose: 180 mcg / kg intravenous bolus given as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Maintenance dose: 2 mcg / kg / minute continuous infusion (following the initial bolus) until the patient is discharged from the hospital or initiation of CABG surgery, up to 72 hours. If a patient is undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while using this medicine, the infusion should be continued until the patient is discharged from the hospital, or up to 18 to 24 hours after the procedure, whichever comes first, allowing up to 96 hours of therapy.

Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris:

Initial dose: 180 mcg / kg intravenous bolus given as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Maintenance: 2 mcg / kg / minute continuous infusion (following initial bolus) until hospital discharge or initiation of CABG surgery, up to 72 hours. If a patient is undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while using this medicine, the infusion should be continued until the patient is discharged from the hospital, or up to 18 to 24 hours after the procedure, whichever comes first, allowing up to 96 hours of therapy.

Adult Dose for Acute Coronary Syndrome:

Initial dose: 180 mcg / kg intravenous bolus given as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Maintenance dose: 2 mcg / kg / minute continuous infusion (following the initial bolus) until the patient is discharged from the hospital or initiation of CABG surgery, up to 72 hours. If a patient is undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while using this medicine, the infusion should be continued until the patient is discharged from the hospital, or up to 18 to 24 hours after the procedure, whichever comes first, allowing up to 96 hours of therapy.

Adult Dose for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention:

Initial dose: 180 mcg / kg intravenous bolus given immediately before initiation of PCI followed by continuous infusion of 2 mcg / kg / min and 180 mcg / kg second bolus 10 minutes after first bolus. The infusion should be continued until the patient is discharged from the hospital, or up to 18 to 24 hours, whichever comes first. Manufacturers recommend infusion of at least 12 hours. Or the duration of the infusion is exactly 16 hours as stated in the ESPRIT substudy.

What is the dose of eptifibatide for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is eptifibatide available?

Solution, Intravenous: 0.75 mg / mL (100 mL), 2 mg / mL (10 mL, 100 mL)

Eptifibatide side effects

What side effects can I experience from eptifibatide?

Seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives. hard to breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical help immediately if you have symptoms of side effects such as:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding in your nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum, purple or red spots under your skin
• there is blood in your urine
• black and bloody stools
• coughing up blood or vomiting that is colored like coffee grounds
• bleeding that is difficult to stop
• sudden numbness or feeling especially weak on one side of the body
• sudden, severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech or balance
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• felt like passing out.

Less serious side effects can also occur, such as:

• nausea
• stomach ache
• bleeding around the IV needle

Eptifibatide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using eptifibatide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to eptifibatide, if you are currently undergoing or are about to be having treatment with drugs such as abciximab (ReoPro) or tirofiban (Aggrastat), or if you have ever:

• kidney failure and on dialysis
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• history of bleeding or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia
• if you have had a stroke or bleeding in the last 30 days
• if you have had surgery, are injured, or have had an emergency in the past 6 weeks
• to ensure that you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Is eptifibatide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Eptifibatide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with eptifibatide?

Some drugs CAN INTERACT with this drug. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs, especially any of the following:

• anticoagulants (for example, warfarin, heparin), aspirin, dipyridamole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (for example, ibuprofen), or thrombolytics (for example, alteplase) because the risk of bleeding may increase
• vitamin A

Can food or alcohol interact with eptifibatide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with eptifibatide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• active bleeding (in the last 30 days)
• a history of bleeding problems
• dialysis patients
• uncontrolled severe hypertension
• had major surgery (in the last 6 weeks)
• stroke (within 30 days) - a history of hemorrhagic stroke should not be used in patients with this condition.
• Kidney illness. Use with care. The drug effect can increase because the release of drug waste substances from the body is slower.

Eptifibatide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Since Eptifibatide should only be given by medical professionals, you will not miss a dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.