Abciximab IV

Brand Name: ReoPro

Abciximab is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor and binds to glycoprotein IIb/IIIA receptors on the surface of platelets, thereby preventing platelet aggregation and hence used as blood thinner during various procedures used to open up the blood vessels in the heart. Abciximab (ReoPro) is the Fab fragment of a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the ?IIb?3 receptor. It also binds to the vitronectin receptor on platelets, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth-muscle cells.Abciximab (ReoPro) is the Fab fragment of a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the ?IIb?3 receptor. It also binds to the vitronectin receptor on platelets, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth-muscle cells.

Uses of Abciximab IV (ReoPro)

It is used as an adjunct to precutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent ischemic complications in patients at high risk of abrupt closure of the treated vessel. It is contraindicated in active internal bleeding. The antibody is used in conjunction with percutaneous angioplasty for coronary thromboses, and when used in conjunction with aspirin and heparin, has been shown to be quite effective in preventing restenosis, recurrent myocardial infarction, and death.

How to use Abciximab IV (ReoPro)

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually 10 to 60 minutes before your procedure, then given slowly into a vein for up to 12 hours or as directed by your doctor.

The recommended dosage of Abciximab in adults is a 0.25 mg/kg  IV bolus administered 10-60 minutes before the start of PCI, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.125 µg/kg/min (to a maximum of 10 µg/min) for 12 hours.Patients with unstable angina not responding to conventional medical therapy and who are planned to undergo PCI within 24 hours may be treated with an Abciximab 0.25 mg/kg intravenous bolus followed by an 18- to 24-hour intravenous infusion of 10 µg/min, concluding one hour after the PCI.

Special precautions & Abciximab IV (ReoPro)

• Pregnancy: Category C.
• Lactation: Undetermined.
• Children: Safety and efficacy not established.
• Readministration: Abciximab may cause antibody development. Readministration may be associated with allergic reactions.
• Bleeding: Because risk of bleeding is increased, use cautiously, if at all, with thrombolytics, oral anticoagulants, NSAIDs, dipyridamole, and ticlopidine. Institute bleeding precautions.
• Thrombocytopenia: Monitor platelet counts.
• report any bleeding or bruising to health care provider immediately

Side Effects of Abciximab IV (ReoPro)

• CARDIOVASCULAR: Hypotension; bradycardia; atrial fibrillation; pulmonary edema; AV block; supraventricular tachycardia.
• CNS: Hypesthesia; headache; confusion; dizziness.
• EENT: Abnormal vision.
• GI: Nausea, vomiting.
• HEMATOLOGIC: Bleeding; thrombocytopenia; anemia; leukocytosis.
• RESPIRATORY: Pleural effusion; pneumonia.
• OTHER: Pain; peripheral edema.

The major side effect of abciximab is bleeding, and the contraindications to its use are similar to those for fibrinolytic agents.