Update on glycoprotein IIb/IIa inhibitors

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are potent platelet inhibitors that are beneficial in the treatment of patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous interventions and in patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Bleeding complications, whilst high in initial studies, are much less common with increased clinical experience and careful attention to heparin dosing. Important questions that will be answered in the next several years include whether there are significant differences between the available agents and whether oral formulations will be safe and effective.