Abciximab

Abciximab works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking to each other. When platelets stick to each other, they may form blood clots that may cause a heart attack or cause the opened blood vessel in the heart to close back up.

Indications

Platelet aggregation inhibition as adjunct to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or atherectomy (PTCA)

Dosage

0.25mg/kg administered 10-60 minutes before the start of PTCA, followed by a continuous i.v. injection of 10mcg/min for 12 hours.

Contra-Indications

Contraindications: Active internal bleeding (within 6 weeks), GI or GE bleeding of clinical significance, history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) within 2 years or CVA with a significant neurological deficit, bleeding diathesis, administration of oral anticoagulants within 7 days unless prothrombin time is

Special Precautions

Special Precautions: Free plasma concentration of the drug decreases rapidly with an initial half life of s.

Side Effects

Side effects: Constipation, ileus,bleeding, thrombocytopenia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, complete AV block, palpitation, SVT, abnormal thinking, dizziness, human antichimeric antibody development,.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: dextran.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting abciximab.