Eptifibatide

Eptifibatide (also known as Integrelin, Integrilin, Eptifibatida, epifibatide) is a nootropic research peptide. Eptifibatide is an integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 inhibitor used to decrease the rate of death or myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Eptifibatide, also known as Integrilin, is an FDA-approved integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 inhibitor. It functions by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Eptifibatide is indicated for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including intracoronary stenting. It is administered intravenously. Research on eptifibatide has explored its use in ischemic stroke and its potential to cause thrombocytopenia. The compound has been the subject of over 1,000 PubMed papers since its approval in 1998.

1 Mechanism of action

Integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 inhibitor (inhibitor)

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Indicated / studied for

• Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

2.2 Side effects

• Bleeding
• Hypotension

3 Chemical and physical properties

3.1 Amino acid sequence

4 Research dosages

ACS or PCI: 180 mcg/kg I.V. bolus as soon as possible after diagnosis followed by infusion at 2 mcg/kg/min. PCI: Add a second 180 mcg/kg bolus at 10 minutes. In patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, reduce the infusion to 1 mcg/kg/min.

5 Research studies (8)

1. Adjunctive Intravenous Argatroban or Eptifibatide for Ischemic Stroke
   The New England journal of medicine (2024) · RCT
2. Eptifibatide
   (2006) · Review
3. Eptifibatide
   (2026)
4. Delayed-onset eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia
   American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2024) · Case Series
5. Thrombolysis Alone vs With Argatroban or Eptifibatide: A Prespecified Subgroup Analysis of the MOST Trial
   Neurology (2025) · RCT
6. Eptifibatide overdose
   International journal of cardiology (2009) · Case Series
7. Intravenous Argatroban or Eptifibatide in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Subgroup Analysis of the MOST Randomized Clinical Trial
   JAMA neurology (2025)
8. Anti-integrin therapy
   Annual review of medicine (2003) · Review

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

Eptifibatide is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

• History of bleeding diathesis or active abnormal bleeding within 30 days
• Severe hypertension (systolic >200 mm Hg or diastolic >110 mm Hg) not adequately controlled
• Major surgery within the preceding 6 weeks
• History of stroke within 30 days or any history of hemorrhagic stroke
• Current or planned administration of another parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor
• Dependency on renal dialysis
• Hypersensitivity to eptifibatide or any component of the product

6.3 Drug interactions

6.4 Long-term risks

• serious bleeding
• thrombocytopenia

6.5 Research best practices

• Store refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F)
• Vials may be transferred to room temperature storage for a period not to exceed 2 months
• Mark vial cartons with a "DISCARD BY" date (2 months from transfer date or labeled expiration date, whichever comes first)
• Protect from light until administration

7 Frequently asked questions

What is eptifibatide used for?

Eptifibatide is used to decrease the rate of death or new myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction). It is also used to decrease the rate of death, new myocardial infarction, or need for urgent intervention in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including those undergoing intracoronary stenting.

How does eptifibatide work?

Eptifibatide works as an integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 inhibitor. This mechanism prevents platelets from aggregating, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots. It specifically targets the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of platelets.

Is eptifibatide FDA approved?

Yes, eptifibatide is FDA approved. It received its first approval in 1998 and is marketed for its indications related to acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention.

What are the side effects of eptifibatide?

The most commonly reported adverse reactions associated with eptifibatide treatment are bleeding and hypotension. Bleeding can range from minor to major, often occurring at arterial access sites or in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts.

What are the contraindications for eptifibatide?

Eptifibatide is contraindicated in patients with a history of bleeding diathesis, active abnormal bleeding, severe uncontrolled hypertension, major surgery within 6 weeks, recent or hemorrhagic stroke, concomitant use of other parenteral GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, renal dialysis dependency, or hypersensitivity to the product.

8 References

1. Eptifibatide — compound summary PubChem. View source
2. Eptifibatide — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
3. Eptifibatide — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
4. Eptifibatide — published literature (1,074 records) PubMed. View source

9 See also

• Peptide encyclopedia index
• Peptide reconstitution calculator
• Glossary of peptide research terms