Aggrastat

What is it?

An antiplatelet preparation in a solution containing tirofiban as hydochloride monohydrate at strength 0.05mg/ml. Used as intravenous infusion. Also, AGGRASTAT CONCENTRATE, a solution containing tirofiban as hydrochloride monohydrate at strength 0.25mg/ml, available in vials for infusion.

Medical Uses

Specialist, hospital treatment, (combined with aspirin and heparin), to prevent heart attack in patients with unstable angina or when other particular circumstances apply. Used under direction of specialist physician with treatment commencing within 12 hours of last episode of anginal pain.

Dosage

Adults, starting dose: 0.4µg per kg of body weight given by intravenous infusion for half an hour. Thereafter, 0.1µg per kg of body weight every minute, by intravenous infusion, for 2 days. Maximum treatment period is 108 hours.

Special Care

Severe kidney failure, recent surgery or biopsy, severe retinopathy accompanied by bleeding, blood in urine, kidney failure, heart infections, vasculitis, active peptic ulcer, haemorrhage or bleeding disorder, anaemia, liver disorder, heart failure or shock. Also, in elderly women or those of low body weight. Drug is immediately withdrawn if patient reqiures bypass surgery or thrombolytic therapy. Blood tests are performed during treatment period.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, blood disorders, haemorrhage, recent surgery, previous stroke, recent trauma, liver failure, malignant hypertension, intracranial disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Gpl lb or 111a inhibitors, other anticoagulants, recent thrombolytics, adenosine, prostaeyclin, ticiopidine, dipyridamole, sulphinpyrazone, LMWHs, diazepam (infusions), solutions of dextran.