Eptifibatide
Also known as: Integrilin
Eptifibatide is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide that selectively inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors. This antiplatelet agent prevents blood clot formation and is primarily researched for acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Eptifibatide is a 831.98 g/mol research peptide. Eptifibatide is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide that selectively inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors. This antiplatelet agent prevents blood clot formation and is primarily researched for acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Also called: Integrilin
831.98 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Daltons
5
Strong Evidence
benefits
4
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
180-180
Typical Dose
mcg/kg
Overview
Eptifibatide represents a targeted approach to antiplatelet therapy through its specific mechanism of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonism. The peptide's structure, derived from barbourin found in southeastern pygmy rattlesnake venom, allows for reversible binding to platelet receptors responsible for the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. This selective inhibition prevents fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor from bridging adjacent platelets, effectively blocking thrombus formation without affecting other aspects of hemostasis. Research applications focus on acute coronary syndrome management, where rapid and predictable antiplatelet effects are needed. The peptide's pharmacokinetic profile shows rapid onset and offset of action, making it valuable for situations requiring precise control over bleeding risk. Clinical investigations examine its use in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions, where potent platelet inhibition can prevent periprocedural thrombotic complications. The reversible nature of its binding distinguishes it from irreversible antiplatelet agents, allowing for more controlled antiplatelet effects.
Key Takeaways: Eptifibatide
- Strongest evidence supports Eptifibatide for platelet aggregation inhibition and acute coronary syndrome management
- Research doses typically range from 180 to 180 mcg/kg via intravenous bolus
- 5 benefits with strong evidence, 1 moderate, 0 preliminary
- Half-life: 2.5 hours
- 4 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
Eptifibatide selectively binds to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors on activated platelets, blocking the binding sites for fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands. This competitive antagonism prevents cross-linking of platelets during the final step of platelet aggregation, regardless of the stimulus that initiated platelet activation. The peptide's cyclic structure provides high specificity for the receptor while maintaining reversible binding kinetics.
Research Benefits
Eptifibatide at a Glance
Eptifibatide selectively binds to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors on activated platelets, blocking the binding sites for fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands.
Platelet Aggregation Inhibition
Strong EvidenceBlocks glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors with >95% inhibition at therapeutic doses, preventing platelet cross-linking and thrombus formation through competitive antagonism of fibrinogen binding sites.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Management
Strong EvidenceReduces major adverse cardiac events by 10-15% in patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction when combined with standard anticoagulation therapy.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Support
Strong EvidenceDecreases periprocedural thrombotic complications during high-risk coronary interventions, with particular benefit in complex lesions and diabetic patients undergoing stent placement.
Rapid Onset Antiplatelet Effect
Strong EvidenceAchieves therapeutic platelet inhibition within 15 minutes of infusion initiation, providing immediate antiplatelet protection during acute interventions compared to oral agents requiring hours to days.
Reversible Platelet Inhibition
Strong EvidencePlatelet function returns to baseline within 4-8 hours after discontinuation, allowing for predictable recovery of hemostatic function before surgical procedures or in bleeding situations.
Microvascular Protection
Moderate EvidencePreserves coronary microvascular flow during reperfusion therapy by preventing distal embolization of platelet aggregates and microthrombi formation in small vessels.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Acute coronary syndrome | 180–180 mcg/kg | intravenous bolus |
| Maintenance infusion | 2–2 mcg/kg/min | continuous IV infusion |
| Percutaneous coronary intervention | 180–180 mcg/kg | intravenous bolus pre-procedure |
Frequency
Single bolus followed by continuous infusion
Timing
Administer bolus immediately, begin infusion within 10 minutes
Cycle Length
18-72 hours maximum infusion duration
Research Notes
- 1Bolus dose should be administered as rapid IV push over 1-2 minutes
- 2Infusion rate requires adjustment for creatinine clearance <50 mL/min
- 3Discontinue infusion 2-4 hours before planned surgery
- 4Monitor platelet count and hemoglobin during treatment
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
10 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
0 mL
Concentration
Infinity mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
Eptifibatide vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at 2-8°C. 24 months unopened.
Storage Temperature
2-8°C
Shelf Life
24 months unopened
Important Notes
- •Supplied as ready-to-use solution, no reconstitution required
- •Available in 0.75 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL concentrations
- •Do not shake vigorously to avoid foaming
- •Inspect for particulate matter before administration
Eptifibatide Dosing Calculator
Calculate daily intake, cycle totals, and vials needed with pre-filled protocols →
Eptifibatide Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate concentration, syringe units, and doses per vial with auto-filled values →
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Major bleeding (intracranial, gastrointestinal, retroperitoneal)
- !Minor bleeding (access site, epistaxis, hematuria)
- !Thrombocytopenia (acute, severe <100,000/μL)
- !Hypotension and bradycardia
- !Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- !Injection site reactions and phlebitis
- !Nausea and vomiting
- !Back pain and chest pain
- !Dizziness and headache
Potential Interactions
- ⚡Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin) - increased bleeding risk
- ⚡Thrombolytics (alteplase, reteplase) - enhanced bleeding potential
- ⚡Antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) - additive effects
- ⚡NSAIDs - increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk
- ⚡Anticoagulant herbs (ginkgo, garlic, ginger) - bleeding complications
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes
Meta-analysis of six major trials showed 10.8% reduction in death or myocardial infarction at 30 days with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors including eptifibatide in acute coronary syndromes.
Inhibition of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa with eptifibatide in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Randomized trial of 10,948 patients demonstrated 1.5% absolute reduction in death or myocardial infarction at 30 days with eptifibatide versus placebo in unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI.
Randomised placebo-controlled trial of effect of eptifibatide on complications of percutaneous coronary intervention
Study of 4,010 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty showed significant reduction in ischemic complications at 24 hours and 30 days with eptifibatide treatment.
Pharmacodynamics of eptifibatide in patients undergoing coronary stenting
Pharmacokinetic study demonstrating >95% platelet inhibition within 15 minutes of bolus administration and return to <50% inhibition within 4 hours of cessation.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eptifibatide achieves >95% platelet inhibition within 15 minutes of the initial bolus dose. Peak antiplatelet effects occur immediately after bolus administration, making it ideal for acute interventions requiring rapid platelet inhibition.
Eptifibatide has a plasma half-life of 2.5 hours, with platelet function returning to baseline within 4-8 hours after stopping the infusion. This relatively short duration allows for predictable recovery of hemostatic function.
Eptifibatide is an intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor with rapid onset and offset, while clopidogrel is an oral P2Y12 inhibitor with slower onset but longer duration. Eptifibatide provides immediate, reversible platelet inhibition for acute situations.
Yes, eptifibatide can cause acute severe thrombocytopenia in 0.5-1% of patients, typically within 24 hours of administration. This requires immediate platelet count monitoring and drug discontinuation if platelets fall below 100,000/μL.
Eptifibatide should be discontinued 2-4 hours before elective surgery to allow platelet function recovery. For emergency surgery, platelet transfusion may be needed if the procedure cannot be delayed.
Yes, patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min should receive a reduced maintenance infusion dose of 1.0 mcg/kg/min instead of the standard 2.0 mcg/kg/min, while the bolus dose remains unchanged.
Major bleeding occurs in 2-4% of patients, most commonly at vascular access sites. Intracranial hemorrhage is rare (<0.5%) but serious. Risk increases with advanced age, low body weight, and concurrent anticoagulation.
Eptifibatide is typically used with aspirin and heparin in acute coronary syndromes, but this combination significantly increases bleeding risk. Careful monitoring and dose adjustments of anticoagulants are essential.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.