Abstract
The advent of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention has added a new dimension in the anti-ischaemic treatment strategy. These agents work by blocking the fi nal common pathway of platelet aggregation in thrombus formation. This is achieved by preventing fi brinogen from binding to the activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors on the platelet's surface. There are three agents: abciximab, eptifi batide and tirofi ban, each with its own indications and licence for use. The trials that are discussed in this article have demonstrated a reduction in death, myocardial infarction and urgent or repeat coronary revascularization in those who received a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor when compared to placebo. Two adverse effects associated with these agents are bleeding—particularly from the femoral artery access point—and thrombocytopenia. For nurses working in the cardiac catheterization laboratories and coronary ca...
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