Molecule

Drug Groups

approved

Description

Ridogrel is a dual action drug useful for the prevention of systemic thrombo-embolism and as an adjunctive agent to thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction. However, there currently are no clinical indications for preferential use of ridogrel over aspirin.

Indication

Used as an adjunctive therapy to induce thrombolysis in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction.

Pharmacology

Ridogrel, a combined thromboxane synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist, is used with streptokinase as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the formation and size of blood clots. Blood clots can cause ischemic cardiac events (heart attacks). Ridogrel has the dual property of inhibiting the synthesis of thromboxane and blocking the receptors of thromboxane/prostaglandin/endoperoxides. It has been shown to accelerate the speed of recanalization and to delay or prevent reocclusion during systemic thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (streptokinase). Ridogrel is a more potent antiplatelet agent than aspirin and might offer an advantage over aspirin as an adjunct to thrombolysis in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction. While aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for producing thromboxane, ridogrel inhibits thromboxane synthesis directly. A recent comparison between aspirin and ridogrel in as adjunct to thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction demonstrated that ridogrel is not superior to aspirin in enhancing the fibrinolytic efficacy of streptokinase but might be more effective in preventing new ischemic events. Clinical experience with this drug is still relatively limited.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration (30-60 min)

Protein Binding

Approximately 60% bound to plasma proteins