Anagrelide
Anagrelide is a medication used to reduce elevated blood platelet counts in patients with essential thrombocythemia and related myeloproliferative disorders. It works by inhibiting platelet production from megakaryocyte cells in the bone marrow, though its precise mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Anagrelide reduces high platelet counts in blood disorders like essential thrombocythemia to lower thrombotic risk.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX35
- RxNorm
- 596724
- Generic
- Anagrelide
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Agrylin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
anagrelide is excreted in breast milk - do not breastfeed during treatment
none
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to cardiovascular effects
monitor blood pressure and cardiac function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for patients under 18 years due to limited safety and efficacy data
not established
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renalreduce dose
use with caution in severe renal impairment - consider dose reduction and monitoring
monitor renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepaticreduce dose
use with caution in moderate hepatic impairment - dose reduction recommended
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Anagrelide
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for platelet count reduction
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Primarily used to treat essential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative disorder causing overproduction of platelets. Indicated for patients at risk of thrombotic complications due to elevated platelet counts.
Inhibits the development of platelets from megakaryocytes. Studies suggest it suppresses expression of transcription factors GATA-1 and FOG-1 required for megakaryocytopoiesis, leading to reduced platelet production.
Common side effects include headache, palpitations, diarrhea, and fluid retention. Cardiac monitoring recommended as it may cause QT prolongation. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular or renal impairment. Platelet counts should be monitored regularly during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy