Ticagrelor prescription online

How does ticagrelor compare to other medications?

Ticagrelor belongs to the P2Y12 inhibitor class and is often compared to other antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel and prasugrel. It differs from clopidogrel (Plavix) in that it doesn’t rely on liver enzymes for activation, resulting in more consistent platelet inhibition. It’s also reversible, which can be beneficial if surgery or bleeding risks arise.

Its effect wears off more quickly than some alternatives, which is useful in patients who may need future procedures. The risk of bleeding is a concern with ticagrelor, and patients should be monitored carefully. Each option has distinct characteristics based on the speed of onset, dosing, reversibility, and risk profile.

Ticagrelor (Brilinta):
•Reversible binding
•Fast onset and more potent than clopidogrel
•No liver activation needed—works more predictably
•Higher bleeding risk and must be taken twice daily

Clopidogrel (Plavix):
•Irreversible binding
•Requires metabolic activation in the liver (CYP2C19)
•Less potent but lower bleeding risk
•Once-daily dosing and available as a generic (more affordable)

Prasugrel (Effient):
•More potent and faster onset than clopidogrel
•Higher bleeding risk than clopidogrel; not recommended in patients over 75 or with a history of stroke
•Used primarily in patients undergoing PCI

Ticagrelor is preferred in many ACS guidelines due to its efficacy and consistency, but cost, bleeding risk, and dosing convenience must be considered individually.