Heart Disease Library
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| abciximab | ReoPro |
| eptifibatide | Integrilin |
| tirofiban | Aggrastat |
How It Works
These medicines prevent the formation of blood clots. They can help prevent blood clots in the coronary arteries after a heart attack.
Why It Is Used
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors might be used with angioplasty after a heart attack. But they are not used for everyone.
How Well It Works
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may help certain people who have angioplasty after a heart attack, such as people who are at high risk for serious blood clots.1
Side Effects
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are given in the hospital. So a person is watched closely for any side effects.
Bleeding inside the body is the most common side effect.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are only used in the hospital.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Kushner KG, et al. (2009). 2009 focused updates: ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (Updating the 2004 guideline and 2007 focused update) and ACC/AHA/SCAI guidelines on percutaneous coronary intervention (Updating the 2005 guideline and 2007 focused update). A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 120(22): 2271–2306.
Last Updated:
April 29, 2011- Medical Review:
- Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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