Reopro

What is it?

An antiplatelet drug available as a solution in vials containing 2mg of abciximab per ml. Specialist hospital use.

Medical Uses

Additional treatment with aspirin and heparin to prevent ischaemic heart complications in high risk patients undergoing angioplasty to coronary arteries. Also, in patients due to undergo coronary angioplasty who have unstable angina and who have not responded satisfactorily to other treatment, to reduce risk of heart attack.

Dosage

Adults, to prevent ischaemic complications, 0.25mg per kg of body weight by intravenous bolus injection 10 to 60 minutes before procedure, followed straight away by 0.125µg per kg of body weight per minute by continuous intravenous in fusion for 12 hours. Unstable angina, 0.25mg per kg of body weight by bolus intravenous injection up to 24 hours before procedure followed straight away by 0.125µg per kg of body weight per minute by continuous intravenous infusion for 12 hours. Also, patient should take at least 300mg of aspirin each day. Also, a low dose weight adjusted heparin regimen should be administered according to manufacturer's literature. Special cure: peripheral and kidneyvascular disease; patient may require prior treatment with an H2 antagonist to prevent bleeding in gastrointestinal tract. Blood and platelet tests and counts necessary before and after treatment. Risk of bleeding and anaphylaxis hence resuscitation equipment must be on hand and treatment only given under specialist and close supervision, consult manufacturer's literature.

Avoid Use

Children, elderly patients aged over 80 years, pregnancy, breast- feeding, recent brain/spinal surgery or injury or other major surgery, brain tumour, internal haemorrhage, cerebrovascular event within last 2 years, uncontrolled high blood pressure, vasculitis, aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, previous treatment with monoclonal antibodies, diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, bleeding diathesis, allergy to mouse proteins.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, additive effects with thrombolytics.

Known Side Effects

Bleeding, slow heartbeat rate, thrombocytopenia (reduced number of blood platelets often causing bleeding), high blood pressure, vascular disorders, vomiting, nausea, fever, haematoma (collection of blood beneath skin).