CANGRELOR

Cangrelor is an intravenous, fast-acting, reversible P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor. It provides rapid platelet inhibition during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and has a very short half-life, allowing quick recovery of platelet function after discontinuation.

Indications

- Adjunct to PCI to reduce the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events in adults who have not been treated with an oral P2Y12 inhibitor - Patients in whom oral P2Y12 therapy is not feasible or desirable during PCI

Dosage

- Loading dose: 30 micrograms/kg IV bolus prior to PCI - Maintenance infusion: 4 micrograms/kg/min IV infusion for at least 2 hours or for the duration of the procedure, whichever is longer - Transition to oral P2Y12 inhibitor after discontinuation as per clinical guidance

Contra-Indications

- Active pathological bleeding - History of intracranial hemorrhage - Known hypersensitivity to cangrelor or any of its components

Special Precautions

- Increased risk of bleeding; monitor patients closely - Use with caution in patients with recent surgery or trauma - Careful transition required when switching to oral P2Y12 inhibitors to avoid loss of antiplatelet effect

Side Effects

- Bleeding (most common) - Dyspnea - Hypotension - Anemia - Hematoma at access site

Drug Interactions

- Reduced effectiveness if oral P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel) are administered during cangrelor infusion - Ticagrelor may be administered during or after infusion - Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or NSAIDs