Eptifibatide

It is an antiplatelet drug, selectively blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. Derived from pretein found in venom of the southeastern pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri).

Indications

Acute cardiac ischemic events with unstable angina, myocardial infraction in non-surgery medical treatment & undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Dosage

I.V. loading dose of 180ug/kg over 1 to 2 minutes immediately after diagnosis, followed by continuous i.v.-infution of 2ug/kg per minute until either hospital discharge or initiation of coronary artery bypass grafting, or for up to 72 hous. At least 4 hours before discharge all local or systemic bleeding should have been cortrolled and terminated

Contra-Indications

Thrombocytopenia, Renal insufficiency, allergy, current bleeding tendencies & abnormally prolonged coagulation parameter.

Special Precautions

Lactation, Breast feeding avoided, geriatric patients closely observed for bleeding & other side effects.

Side Effects

Bleeding, hypertension, cordiovascular failure, serious arrhythmias, severe allergic.

Drug Interactions

Aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, alteplase, reteplase, streptokinase, urokinase, warafarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, ibuprofen, ticlopidine.