Skip to content

Eptifibatide

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Eptifibatide is an antiplatelet medication classified as a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor used primarily in acute coronary syndromes and during percutaneous coronary interventions. It works by reversibly blocking the GP IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets, preventing fibrinogen and other adhesive molecules from binding and thereby inhibiting blood clot formation. This medication is administered intravenously in hospital settings.

Quick summary

Eptifibatide is an IV antiplatelet agent used to prevent blood clots during acute heart events and coronary procedures.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
B01AC16
RxNorm
75635
Generic
Eptifibatide
Class
atc-b01
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
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

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses significantly exceeding recommended bolus of 180 mcg/kg and infusion of 2 mcg/kg/min may cause severe bleeding complications
Chronic overdose: Prolonged infusion beyond recommended duration without proper monitoring may increase bleeding risk
Immediate actions
Discontinue infusion immediately, monitor vital signs, assess bleeding sites, maintain intravenous access
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment; platelet transfusion may reverse antiplatelet effects)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

use only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

use only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

use only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal and maternal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug based on importance of drug to mother

Monitor

monitor infant for bleeding or bruising

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased bleeding risk

Monitor

monitor renal function and for signs of bleeding

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children under 18
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce infusion rate by 50% for CrCl less than 50 mL/min

Key Recommendations

use reduced dose in patients with CrCl less than 50 mL/min

Monitor

monitor renal function and for signs of bleeding

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to altered coagulation

Monitor

monitor coagulation parameters

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1998

FDA approval year for Eptifibatide

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor

Antiplatelet agent classification

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Prevention of platelet aggregation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and acute coronary syndrome

Primary therapeutic indications

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Reversible inhibition of platelet aggregation by blocking glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor

Pharmacodynamic properties

Eptifibatide is used to treat acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), as well as to prevent clotting during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) such as stent placement.

Eptifibatide reversibly binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on platelet surfaces, blocking the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands. This prevents platelets from clumping together (aggregation), reducing the formation of harmful blood clots.

Administered as an IV infusion in hospital settings with careful monitoring. As with all antiplatelet agents, bleeding risk is the primary concern. The reversible nature of platelet inhibition means function returns within hours of stopping the infusion. Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding, recent surgery, or severe uncontrolled hypertension.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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