Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Inmedicine,glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors,alsoGpIIb/IIIainhibitors,is a class ofantiplatelet agents.

Several GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors exist:

• abciximab(abcixifiban) (ReoPro)
• eptifibatide(Integrilin)
• tirofiban(Aggrastat)
• roxifiban
• orbofiban

Use

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIainhibitors are frequently used duringpercutaneous coronary intervention(angioplastywith or without intracoronary stent placement).

They work by preventingplateletaggregation andthrombusformation. They do so by inhibition of the GpIIb/IIIa receptor on the surface of theplatelets.

They may also be used to treat acute coronary syndromes, without percutaneous coronary intervention, depending onTIMIrisk.

They should be given intravenously. The oral form is associated with increased mortality and hence should not be given.

In integrin nomenclature glycoprotein IIb/IIIa is called αIIbβ3.

History

Their development arose from the understanding ofGlanzmann's thrombasthenia,a condition in which the GpIIb/IIIa receptor is deficient or dysfunctional.