Ticagrelor
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is a prescription antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with acute coronary syndrome or a history of heart attack. It works by preventing blood platelets from clumping together, which helps keep arteries open and reduces the likelihood of dangerous blood clots forming.
Brilinta is an antiplatelet drug used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with heart conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1116636
- Generic
- Brilinta
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Brilinta is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including those with unstable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and STEMI. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of first heart attack or stroke in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease.
Brilinta contains the active ingredient ticagrelor, which belongs to a class of medicines called antiplatelet agents. It works by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. This inhibits platelet aggregation (clumping) and reduces the formation of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Brilinta is typically taken twice daily with low-dose aspirin. The medication carries a risk of bleeding and should not be used in patients with active bleeding or history of intracranial hemorrhage. Common side effects include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and minor bleeding or bruising. Patients should not stop taking Brilinta without consulting their doctor, as doing so may increase the risk of blood clots, especially after stent placement. This medication may interact with other drugs and should only be used under medical supervision.
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 September 3, 2026. · Read our editorial policy