Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Ticagrelor

Brand names: Brilinta

Ticagrelor keeps platelets from sticking together. It lowers the risk of another heart attack, stent clot, or stroke.

Brand namesBrilinta
Type of medicineAntiplatelet (blood thinner)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's usually taken with low-dose aspirin for a set time after a heart attack or stent.

What it's used for

  • After a heart attack or unstable angina
  • After a heart stent
  • Lowering stroke risk after a mild stroke or TIA

How to take it

  • Take it twice a day. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water.
  • Never stop it without asking your heart doctor; stopping early raises heart attack and stent clot risk.
  • Tell every provider and dentist you take it.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Shortness of breath (usually mild)
  • Bruising
  • Minor bleeding
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or a severe headache
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools, or pink or brown urine
Call your provider todayShortness of breath that's bothersome or getting worse

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: bleeding risk, and aspirin over 100 mg a day makes it less effective.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Use only low-dose aspirin with it.
  • Strong antifungals, some HIV medicines, and rifampin change its level.
  • It raises simvastatin and lovastatin levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.