New antiplatelet drugs for acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

Ticagrelor and prasugrel are antiplatelet drugs that are alternatives to clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome. Their advantages include reduced rates of ischaemia and stent thrombosis. The risk of major bleeding is likely to be higher with prasugrel compared to clopidogrel. Intracranial haemorrhage appears to be slightly more common with ticagrelor than with clopidogrel, and it can also cause dyspnoea and ventricular pauses early in treatment. When patients taking prasugrel or ticagrelor require surgery, perioperative management is challenging. The treating cardiologist should be consulted whenever treatment cessation is considered.