Evaluating the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic impact of different modes of ticagrelor administration

Alternative administration modes for oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, particularly ticagrelor, have emerged as a potential alternative to overcome the limitations associated with the delayed onset of action of these drugs in patients who are unable to swallow or with impaired absorption.

This comprehensive literature review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and administration modes of ticagrelor, including factors that may affect its action. It also compares the pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor with that of other drugs with similar uses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential advantages and limitations of different modalities of P2Y₁₂ administration. For this purpose, Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from database inception to July 2023.

Among the different alternatives, crushed formulations, especially for ticagrelor, have emerged as the most promising option, showing early and robust platelet inhibition. However, important questions remain unanswered, such as the comparative clinical benefits of crushed ticagrelor versus standard administration, the cost-effectiveness of alternative modes compared to intravenous P2Y₁₂ inhibitors such as cangrelor, and the important limitations associated with the concomitant use of opioids, who have been proven to impair even the action of crushed ticagrelor.