Tirofiban
Tirofiban is an intravenous antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome or those undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. It works by reversibly blocking the GP IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets, preventing fibrinogen from binding and inhibiting platelet aggregation. This medication is typically used in hospital settings alongside heparin and aspirin therapy.
Tirofiban is an IV antiplatelet agent that prevents blood clots by blocking platelet aggregation through GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AC17
- RxNorm
- 73137
- Generic
- Tirofiban
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- Aggrastat
- 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
- 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
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when benefits outweigh risks, close monitoring required
fetal monitoring and maternal bleeding assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue nursing or drug
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 24 hours after discontinuation
monitor infant for bleeding signs if nursing continues
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment
use with caution due to increased bleeding risk
monitor renal function and for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years
not applicable
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50% for CrCl < 30 mL/min
use reduced dose in patients with severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and for bleeding complications
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment, monitor for bleeding
monitor coagulation parameters and for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Aggrastat
Drug class
Antiplatelet agent classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Prevents clot formation in acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) and during or after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Used as part of combination anticoagulant therapy.
Tirofiban is a reversible, non-peptide antagonist that binds to the GP IIb/IIIa receptor on platelet surfaces. This receptor is the primary mediator of platelet aggregation. By blocking fibrinogen binding to this receptor, tirofiban prevents cross-linking of platelets and inhibits thrombus formation.
Administered intravenously in hospital settings with continuous monitoring. Bleeding is the primary risk, especially at vascular puncture sites and during invasive procedures. Platelet function returns to baseline within 4-8 hours after discontinuation. Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding, history of thrombocytopenia with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and severe uncontrolled hypertension.
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