Future cardiology
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Ticagrelor (AZD6140), a cyclopentyl-triazolo-pyrimidine, is the first orally available antagonist of the ADP receptor of the P2Y12 subtype. Ticagrelor inhibits platelets in a reversible manner and does not require hepatic bioactivation. The pharmacology of ticagrelor indicates that it provides more consistent, more rapid and more potent platelet inhibition than clopidogrel. ⋯ Potential disadvantages include more side effects such as dyspnea, ventricular pauses or an increase in concentrations of uric acid and creatinine. However, ticagrelor did not only reduce death due to vascular causes but also all-cause mortality. Further clinical trials in indications other than acute coronary syndrome are awaited.