Description

Brilinta 60 mg (Ticagrelor) – Twice‑Daily Antiplatelet for Heart Protection

Brilinta 60 mg contains ticagrelor, a reversible P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonist that prevents platelet aggregation. Used with low‑dose aspirin, it reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or a history of myocardial infarction. 

Key Benefits:

• Reduces the risk of recurrent heart attack or stroke after ACS or MI
• Shown superior to clopidogrel in the PLATO trial 
• Rapid onset due to direct action without metabolic activation

Dosage & Administration

Initial dose: 180 mg loading dose, followed by 90 mg twice daily for up to 1 year post-ACS. Maintenance: 60 mg twice daily beyond 12 months in stable patients. Taken with daily low‑dose aspirin (75–100 mg). Tablets can be crushed or administered via nasogastric tube if needed.

Possible Side Effects

• Bleeding (most serious risk)—gastrointestinal, intracranial, or other 
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)—typically mild and transient
• Bradycardia or heart block (ventricular pauses early in therapy) 
• Elevated uric acid levels, rash (rare)

Precautions & Interactions

• Contraindicated in active bleeding or history of intracranial hemorrhage
• Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole and grapefruit juice to prevent excess drug levels 
• Use with caution alongside NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or high-dose aspirin due to increased bleeding risk 
• Must be administered with low‑dose aspirin for maximum efficacy; do not exceed recommended aspirin dose
• Caution in severe hepatic impairment or sinoatrial node disease due to risk of bradyarrhythmia

Why Choose Brilinta?

• Proven outcome benefit over clopidogrel in reducing recurrent vascular events
• Reversible action and predictable pharmacokinetics—no need for metabolic activation
• Approved for extended DAPT beyond 12 months in high-risk post‑MI patients 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Brilinta 60 mg indicated for?

Used in ACS, after stent placement, or post‑MI to reduce the risk of death, MI, or stroke when combined with aspirin.

2. How long should Brilinta be taken?

Typically 12 months at 90 mg bid after ACS; then reduced to 60 mg bid for long‑term therapy in appropriate patients.

3. What if a dose is missed?

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it’s near the next scheduled dose. Do not double dose.

4. Can I stop Brilinta suddenly?

No—discontinuing without medical guidance may increase risk of cardiac events. Consult your physician.

5. Is breathlessness a harmful side effect?

Dyspnea is common but often mild and not dangerous. Do inform your health provider if persistent or severe.