Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Abciximab, Eptifibatide, and Tirofiban

Mechanism of action
Eptifibatide and tirofiban are small-molecule antagonists of
the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets, and abciximab
is a monoclonal antibody that targets the same receptor. (Note
that abciximab ends in -mab, denoting that it is a monoclonal
antibody.) Activation of this receptor causes fibrinogen
and von Willebrand factor to bind to platelets, which subsequently
leads to platelet aggregation. These drugs prevent fibrinogen
from interacting with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
receptors, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Clinical use
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are primarily used
to manage acute coronary syndromes and to prevent acute
cardiac ischemia in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
intervention.
Adverse effects
In addition to the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions with
abciximab, the major adverse effect associated with glycoprotein
IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists is bleeding