Oral blockade of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor: fact or fancy?

Currently available antiplatelet agents are limited in the scope and magnitude of platelet inhibition. Orally active platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists are currently in clinical testing. These agents may extend platelet inhibition and clinical benefit from parenteral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists. The most common adverse side effect is mucocutaneous bleeding, which is related to the magnitude and duration of platelet inhibition. Point-of-care monitoring of platelet function may enhance safety and efficacy of oral platelet GP IIb/IIIa blockade. Because aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel have proved beneficial in reducing vascular ischemic events, oral platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, which provide more marked platelet inhibition, are positioned to provide even greater clinical benefit if tolerated.