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Prasugrel Dosage
Typically, your first dosage of prasugrel will be 60 mg -- this is known as the "loading dose." After that, the standard recommended dose is between 5 and 10 mg a day, depending on how much you weigh. Prasugrel comes in tablet form and should always be taken with aspirin. How long you take it will depend on your particular situation.
The amount of prasugrel (Effient®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending largely on your weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
The first dose of prasugrel given to a person is much higher than any subsequent doses. This is known as the "loading dose," and is 60 mg. After that, the standard recommended dosage for most people is 10 mg once daily. For people who weigh 132 pounds or less, a smaller prasugrel dosage of 5 mg daily may be recommended in some situations.
Prasugrel should always be combined with aspirin (usually 75 to 325 mg once daily).
At this time, it is not entirely clear how long people should continue to take prasugrel, and different healthcare providers may have different opinions on this matter. Your healthcare provider will take into account your particular situation when recommending how long you should take it.
Considerations to keep in mind during treatment with prasugrel include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take a prasugrel dose with or without food.
- Prasugrel tablets should not be broken in half.
- Your healthcare provider will take into account your particular situation when recommending how long you should continue to take this medication. Some people may need to take it longer than others.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed. Do not stop taking it without the approval and supervision of the healthcare provider who prescribed it for you.
- If you are unsure about anything related to dosing with prasugrel, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD