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Intravenous P2Y12 ADP Receptor Antagonist (Direct-Acting, Reversible)

Cangrelor (IV P2Y12 Inhibitor — Acute PCI)

Brand names: Kengrexal

Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 receptor antagonist used to reduce thrombotic events during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients not pre-treated with an oral P2Y12 inhibitor.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It directly and reversibly blocks the platelet P2Y12 ADP receptor, providing rapid and rapidly reversible inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Bleeding is the principal risk and it should not be used where there is active significant bleeding.
  • Its very short half-life means platelet function recovers quickly after the infusion stops.
  • Timing of transition to an oral P2Y12 inhibitor matters to avoid a gap in platelet inhibition or drug interaction.

Monitoring

Monitor for bleeding during and after the infusion; routine platelet function testing is not generally required.

Counselling the patient

  • This is an intravenous antiplatelet medicine given during your heart procedure.
  • Report any bleeding or unusual bruising.
  • You will be moved onto an oral antiplatelet tablet as directed by the team.

Evidence & guidelines

The CHAMPION PHOENIX trial showed cangrelor reduced ischaemic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention compared with clopidogrel.

Reference: CHAMPION PHOENIX (Bhatt et al. NEJM 2013); ESC PCI Guidelines 2023; MHRA SPC Kengrexal; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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