Integrilin

What is it?

An antiplatelet preparation available as a solution in vials for injection or as a solution for infusion containing 2mg of eptifibatide per ml (for injection) or 0.75mg per ml (for infusion).

Medical Uses

Prevention of an early heart attack in patients with angina which is not stable, in patients with heart attack associated with non-Q-wave who show changes to the ECG and/or raised levels of enzymes and in whom chest pain has occurred within previous 24 hours. Drug is used under supervision of heart specialist (in hospital), combined with aspirin and heparin.

Dosage

Adults, 180µg by intravenous bolus injection at first, then 2µg per kg of body weight every minute by continuous infusion delivered intravenously. If intervention is required while drug is being given (percutaneouus coronary intervention), drug should be continued in same manner for 20 to 24 hours following the intervention, Maximum period of treatment is 96 hours.

Special Care

Pregnancy, liver or kidney disorders; patient must be carefully monitored for bleeding and haematology checks performed before and during treatment. If uncontrolled bleeding, emergency surgery or a fall in platelets below 100,000 per mm2 occur, drug should be immediately withdrawn.

Avoid Use

Children, breast feeding, severe liver or kidney disease, major operation or severe trauma within last 6 weeks, bleeding, especially in genitourinary system within last 30 days, or stroke during previous month or history of stroke with bleeding. Thrombocytopenia (bleeding disorder connected with low numbers of blood platelets), low prothrombin time (clotting tests).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Low molecular weight heparins, NSAIDs, streptokinase, other GPIIb/IIIA inhibitors, adenosine, thrombolytics, sulphinpyrazone, clopidogrel, anticoagulants taken by mouth, dextrins, ticlopidine, prostacyclin.