[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Antiplatelet drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiplatelet-drugs/) › Tirofiban

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Antiplatelet drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiplatelet-drugs/)

# Tirofiban

An intravenous non-peptide blocker of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, used in acute coronary syndromes without ST elevation.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Antiplatelet drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiplatelet-drugs/)
- Receptor: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3)
- ATC code: B01AC17

◎**Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3)**Tirofiban

ⓘ The figure shows the head of human integrin αIIbβ3 with tirofiban in the fibrinogen-binding site (the crystal also holds an antibody fragment used to crystallise it).

**Target in 3D:** Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3). PDB structure 2VDM (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/2VDM) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Tirofiban is a small non-peptide molecule that reversibly blocks fibrinogen binding to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, the main platelet receptor for aggregation. With the receptor occupied, activated platelets can no longer link together, whatever the trigger. Platelet function returns within hours after the infusion stops.

- Tirofiban blocks the fibrinogen site of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
- Activated platelets can no longer link through fibrinogen
- The block is reversible and fades within hours

## Pharmacokinetics

**Elimination**
Mostly unchanged, about two-thirds in the urine and a quarter in the faeces; clearance falls in moderate to severe kidney impairment.

**Half-life**
About 2 hours.

**Onset and duration**
Rapid by vein; platelet aggregation returns near baseline 4 to 8 hours after stopping in most patients.

## Indications

- Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, to reduce death, myocardial infarction and refractory ischaemia, usually with aspirin and heparin. [Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/myocardial-infarction/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Bleeding, the most common reaction
- Bleeding at the catheter access site

### Serious (rare, important)

- Serious bleeding
- Profound thrombocytopenia, sometimes severe
- Allergic reactions

## Contraindications

- Thrombocytopenia after previous tirofiban
- Active internal bleeding, bleeding tendency, major surgery or severe trauma within the previous month
- Hypersensitivity to tirofiban

## Key interactions

**Heparin, aspirin, other antiplatelets, anticoagulants and thrombolytics**
Add to the risk of bleeding.

## What is monitored

- Platelet count (pseudothrombocytopenia is ruled out when it falls)
- Haemoglobin and kidney function
- Access site and signs of bleeding

## Administration and safety

- Intravenous loading infusion followed by continuous infusion with a pump
- The regimen is reduced in severe kidney impairment
- Stopped, together with heparin, if thrombocytopenia is confirmed or bleeding cannot be controlled

## Nursing care

- Ask about earlier glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers, which raise the risk of thrombocytopenia
- Check platelets, haemoglobin and kidney function at baseline and during the infusion
- Watch the access site, urine, stools and neurological status for bleeding
- Keep punctures and invasive procedures to a minimum

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Human data are limited; it is used only when clearly needed.

## Memory aid

TIROfiban: TIny, non-peptide, Reversible, Off within hours after the drip.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How do tirofiban and eptifibatide differ chemically?

Tirofiban is a small non-peptide molecule; eptifibatide is a cyclic peptide. Both reversibly block glycoprotein IIb/IIIa.

## What should be checked if the platelet count falls on tirofiban?

Whether it is real or pseudothrombocytopenia; if real thrombocytopenia is confirmed, tirofiban and heparin are stopped.

## How quickly does platelet function recover after a tirofiban infusion?

Within hours: aggregation returns near baseline 4 to 8 hours after stopping in most patients.

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## Related drugs

- [Eptifibatide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/eptifibatide/)
- [Heparin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/heparin/)
- [Acetylsalicylic acid](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/acetylsalicylic-acid/)
- [Clopidogrel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/clopidogrel/)

## Related conditions

- [Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/myocardial-infarction/)

[← Back to the class: Antiplatelet drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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 - TIROFIBAN HYDROCHLORIDE injection, solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=13ea7fb8-4b01-4286-9464-26c0b624bc3b) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=B01AC&showdescription=no) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); [2VDM: Re-refinement of Integrin AlphaIIbBeta3 Headpiece Bound to Antagonist Tirofiban](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/2VDM) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2008).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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