Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are a class of medications used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome and during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They work by preventing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in the coronary arteries.

Mechanism of Action

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors work by blocking the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of platelets. This receptor is responsible for the final common pathway of platelet aggregation, where it binds to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor to cross-link platelets. By inhibiting this receptor, these drugs prevent platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.

Types of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

There are three main types of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors:

• Abciximab - a monoclonal antibody
• Eptifibatide - a cyclic heptapeptide
• Tirofiban - a non-peptide antagonist

Each of these drugs has a slightly different mechanism of action, but all work by blocking the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor.

Clinical Use

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome and during percutaneous coronary intervention. They have been shown to reduce the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events in these patients.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors is bleeding. Other side effects can include thrombocytopenia, allergic reactions, and, rarely, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

See Also

• Antiplatelet drug
• Acute coronary syndrome
• Percutaneous coronary intervention