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A to Z Drug Facts

Abciximab (ab-SICK-sih-mab)
Trade Name(s): ReoPro
  • Injection 2 mg/mL

    Indicates Canadian Trade Name.


  • Class: Antiplatelet


    Action: Binds to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors on surface of platelets, thereby preventing platelet aggregation.


    Indications: Adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to prevent ischemic complications in patients at high risk of abrupt closure of the treated vessel. Intended for use with aspirin and heparin.


    Contraindications: Active internal bleeding; recent (6 wk) GI/GU bleeding, major surgery, or trauma; history of CVA in the past 2 yr of CVA with significant residual neurological deficit; use of oral anticoagulants within 7 days unless prothrombin time < 1.2 times control; thrombocytopenia; severe uncontrolled hypertension; vasculitis; intracranial neoplasm, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation; or the recent or current use of IV dextran.


    Route/Dosage:

    Interactions:
    Lab Test Interferences: None well documented.


    Adverse Reactions: 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.


    Precautions: 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.


    Administration/Storage:
  • Use only NS or D 5 W for IV infusion. Add no other medication for the infusion.

  • Do not use drug if vial contains visibly opaque particles.

  • Withdraw medication through a 0.2 or 2.2 micron filter.

  • Administer drug through a separate IV line with filter.

  • Store vials at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Do not shake. Discard any unused portion.



  • Assessment/Interventions:
  • Obtain patient history.

  • If symptoms of sensitivity occur any time during therapy, discontinue drug and initiate symptomatic and supportive therapy. Have epinephrine, dopamine, theophylline, antihistamines, and corticosteroids available.

  • If serious bleeding occurs that is not controlled with pressure, stop infusion of abciximab and heparin.

  • Avoid noncompressible sites when obtaining IV access.

  • Discontinue heparin = 4 hr prior to removal of arterial sheath. Following removal, apply pressure for = 30 min, then apply a pressure dressing.

  • Maintain the patient on bedrest for 6 to 8 hr.

  • Frequently check insertion site and distal pulses while sheath is in place and 6 hr after removal. Measure any hematoma and monitor for enlargement.

  • Avoid other invasive procedures during therapy.

  • Prior to administration, check platelet count, PTT, and APTT. Monitor during and after treatment.



  • Patient/Family Education:
  • Advise patient to report any bleeding or bruising to health care provider immediately.