Abciximab

Definition

Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an antiplatelet agent, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. It is primarily used in the context of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions to prevent ischemic complications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abciximab is a chimeric Fab fragment of a human-murine monoclonal antibody that binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets.
2. It is administered intravenously and has a half-life of approximately 10-30 minutes, with platelet inhibition lasting for up to 48 hours after discontinuation.
3. Abciximab is primarily used in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent ischemic complications, such as acute myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, and death.
4. The use of abciximab has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing PCI, especially in those with acute coronary syndromes.
5. Potential side effects of abciximab include bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Review Questions

• Explain the mechanism of action of abciximab and its role in the context of antiplatelet therapy.
  • Abciximab is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that works by blocking the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of platelets. This receptor is responsible for platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. By inhibiting this receptor, abciximab prevents platelets from binding to fibrinogen and aggregating, thereby reducing the risk of ischemic complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes or undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.
• Describe the pharmacokinetic properties of abciximab and how they influence its clinical use.
  • Abciximab has a relatively short half-life of 10-30 minutes when administered intravenously. However, its platelet inhibition can last for up to 48 hours after discontinuation. This pharmacokinetic profile allows for rapid onset of action and sustained platelet inhibition, making abciximab particularly useful in the acute setting of percutaneous coronary interventions, where it can help prevent ischemic complications. The short half-life also means that the effects of abciximab can be quickly reversed if needed, such as in the case of bleeding complications.
• Analyze the clinical evidence supporting the use of abciximab in the management of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions.
  • Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of abciximab in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, and death, in patients with acute coronary syndromes or undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. The EPIC, EPILOG, and EPISTENT trials, among others, have shown that the addition of abciximab to standard antiplatelet therapy significantly improves clinical outcomes in these high-risk patient populations. The robust evidence supporting the use of abciximab has led to its widespread adoption in the management of acute coronary syndromes and as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary interventions.

Related terms

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors: A class of antiplatelet drugs that block the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets, preventing fibrinogen-mediated platelet aggregation.

Platelet Aggregation: The process by which platelets bind to each other, forming a clot to stop bleeding or initiate thrombosis.

Acute Coronary Syndrome: A range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction.