Abciximab (Reopro, Abcixifiban)

Abciximab (Reopro, Abcixifiban)

Abciximab, sold under the brand names Reopro and Abcixifiban, is a medication used to prevent blood clots in people undergoing coronary angioplasty. It is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, which means that it blocks the platelets in the blood from aggregating and forming clots. This medication is administered intravenously during the procedure, usually in combination with heparin and aspirin.

Mechanism of action

Abciximab blocks the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of platelets, preventing the binding of fibrinogen and other ligands that are necessary for platelet aggregation and clot formation.

Indications

Abciximab is primarily used to prevent blood clots during cardiovascular procedures, such as:

   Coronary angioplasty
   Coronary artery bypass surgery
   Stent placement

It may also be used in other situations where the risk of blood clots is high.

Required laboratory tests

Before administering abciximab, healthcare providers may order laboratory tests to assess the patient's blood clotting function, including:

   Platelet count
   Prothrombin time (PT)
   Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
   International normalized ratio (INR)

Dosing for every route of administration

The dosing of abciximab varies depending on the indication and the patient's weight. It is administered intravenously during the procedure.

For coronary angioplasty, the typical dosing regimen is:

   A bolus of 0.25 mg/kg over 1-2 minutes
   A maintenance infusion of 0.125 μg/kg/min for 12 hours

For coronary artery bypass surgery, the typical dosing regimen is:

   A bolus of 0.25 mg/kg over 1-2 minutes
   A maintenance infusion of 0.125 μg/kg/min for up to 24 hours

For stent placement, the typical dosing regimen is:

   A bolus of 0.25 mg/kg over 1-2 minutes
   A maintenance infusion of 10 μg/min for up to 12 hours

Adverse reactions

Some common adverse reactions associated with abciximab include:

   Bleeding
   Bruising
   Low blood pressure

In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions or blood clotting disorders, such as:

   Thrombocytopenia
   Thrombosis
   Hemorrhage

External links

   Abciximab page on the Anesthesia Wiki