Background/Aims: Eptifibatide is a parenteral glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitor that prevents platelet aggregation. Although contraindicated in dialysis patients due to limited safety and dialysis data, eptifibatide is prescribed in this population and is associated with bleeding complications. This study was done to determine dialysis clearance (CLD) of eptifibatide using an in vitro system. Methods: Three common dialyzers were tested. In vitro dialysis was performed at a dialysate flow rate of 500 ml/min, ‘blood’ flow rate (QB) of 200 and 400 ml/min, and the minimal ultrafiltration rate. Eptifibatide CLD and fraction removed were calculated for each condition. Results: CLD ranged from 122 to 225 ml/min and was not significantly different among the dialyzers tested. CLD was flow dependent with higher clearances observed at higher QB. The estimated fraction of eptifibatide removed was 73–83%. Conclusions: These data suggest that hemodialysis is an effective method to decrease the effects of eptifibatide in patients with impaired kidney function.

Keywords:
Eptifibatide, Hemodialysis, Pharmacokinetics, End-stage renal disease
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© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
2010
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