Prasugrel
Prasugrel is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome (including heart attacks) who are undergoing procedures to open blocked heart arteries (percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI). It works by blocking platelet activation, reducing the risk of dangerous clotting events that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Prasugrel is an antiplatelet drug used to prevent clotting in heart disease patients undergoing artery-opening procedures.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AC22
- RxNorm
- 613391
- Generic
- Prasugrel
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- Effient
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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.
Prasugrel is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), particularly those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement.
Prasugrel is a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent that irreversibly binds to the P2Y12 component of ADP receptors on platelets. This blocking action prevents ADP-mediated platelet activation and aggregation, reducing the blood's ability to form clots.
Bleeding risk is the primary concern with prasugrel therapy. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Patients should inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or other medications before starting treatment. Unlike some other antiplatelet drugs, prasugrel requires no CYP2C19 genetic testing as its metabolism is not affected by common genetic variants.
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