Pharmacology · Antiplatelet drugs
Eptifibatide !
An intravenous cyclic peptide that blocks the platelet fibrinogen receptor (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa), the final step of aggregation.
Updated 2026-11-01
The figure shows the head of human integrin αIIbβ3 with eptifibatide in the fibrinogen-binding site (the crystal also holds an antibody fragment used to crystallise it); eptifibatide is a peptide, so no small-molecule ligand is marked.
Mechanism of action
Eptifibatide is a cyclic heptapeptide. It occupies glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, the receptor through which fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and other adhesive proteins link activated platelets together, so aggregation stops whatever the trigger. The inhibition is reversible: when the infusion stops, eptifibatide dissociates and platelet function recovers.
- Eptifibatide occupies the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor
- Fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor can no longer bridge platelets
- Aggregation stops; it recovers after the infusion ends
Pharmacokinetics
- Distribution
- Not extensively bound to plasma proteins.
- Elimination
- The kidneys account for about half of its clearance; it is not used in patients who depend on dialysis.
- Half-life
- About 2.5 hours.
- Onset and duration
- Immediate by vein; inhibition is reversible after the infusion stops.
Indications
- Acute coronary syndrome managed medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) →
- Percutaneous coronary intervention, including stenting.
Adverse effects
Common
- Bleeding, especially at the femoral access site
- Low blood pressure
Contraindications
- Bleeding tendency or bleeding within the previous 30 days
- Severe uncontrolled hypertension
- Major surgery within the past 6 weeks
- Stroke within 30 days or any history of haemorrhagic stroke
- Another intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor; dependence on dialysis
Key interactions
- Heparin, aspirin, other antiplatelets, thrombolytics and long-term NSAIDs
- Increase the risk of bleeding.
- Other glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
- Not combined.
What is monitored
- Platelet count before and during treatment
- Haemoglobin, haematocrit and kidney function
- aPTT or ACT when heparin is given together
- Femoral access site and signs of bleeding
Administration and safety
- Intravenous bolus followed by infusion with a pump; bolus vials and infusion vials have different strengths
- Vascular punctures, catheters and intramuscular injections are kept to a minimum
- Stopped at once, with heparin, if serious bleeding or thrombocytopenia appears
Nursing care
- Check baseline platelets, haemoglobin, kidney function and blood pressure
- Press on the access site and check groin and distal pulses often after sheath removal
- Watch gums, urine, stools and neurological status for bleeding
- Report a sudden drop in platelets
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; it is used only when clearly needed.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which platelet receptor does eptifibatide block, and what does that prevent?
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3); it stops fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor from bridging platelets, the final common step of aggregation.
Which laboratory value is checked to detect a serious haematological reaction to eptifibatide?
The platelet count: acute profound thrombocytopenia can occur.
Why is eptifibatide avoided in patients who depend on dialysis?
About half of its clearance is renal, so it accumulates when the kidneys do not work.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: Antiplatelet drugs
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - EPTIFIBATIDE injection, solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); 2VDN: Re-refinement of Integrin AlphaIIbBeta3 Headpiece Bound to Antagonist Eptifibatide (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2008).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.