Abciximab is a cardiovascular drug antiplatelet. Antiaggregant cardiovascular drugs – also called antiplatelet drugs – are able to prevent the aggregation of platelets in the blood, avoiding the formation of fibrinogen and platelet (white thrombus) clots on the walls blood vessels, clots that usually precede the formation of actual clots (red thrombus) formed by red blood cells and fibrin and of varied or mixed thrombus, constituted in part by a platelet conglomerate and in part by coagulated blood (anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin act against red thrombus formation).
There are several types of active ingredients used in anti-platelet levels in arterial diseases, each of which acts with a specific mechanism: the abciximab specifically inhibits the attachment of fibrinogen (in charge of the glycoprotein in the blood clotting process) on platelets.
What is Abciximab?
Abciximax is used in cases of arterial thrombosis and it is mainly used to prevent cardiac complications, especially in the case of acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. It may be administered in the phase of pre-surgical intervention in order to prevent the formation of white thrombi.
How should Abciximab be taken?
This drug is supplied and takes effect through intravenous administration.
Side effects associated with Abciximab
There are several side effects that may result from the use of this active ingredient, including:
- Hemorrhage
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Temperature
- Hypercalcemia
- Bradycardia
- Fatigue
- Hypotension
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Angioedema
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Abciximab
The use of platelet aggregation inhibitors such as abciximab potentiates the effect of anticoagulants such as Heparin and Warfarin: the main side effects are bleeding in case of combined consumption of the drugs or in case of overdosing.
The use of Abciximab may involve reducing the number of platelets below the normal range, a condition known as "thrombocytopenia”. The administration of abciximab is contraindicated in cases of clotting disorders such as vasculitis, and in the presence of aneurysms, and moreover, it is not recommended during lactation.
