Method for inhibiting platelet aggregation

Abstract

A method for inhibiting platelet aggregation in a patient in need thereof, comprising 1) administering to the patient a bolus injection of an active drug, in an amount of between about 25 μg/kg, and 2) administering to the patient, after the bolus injection, an intravenous infusion for a period of between about 12 hours and about 72 hours, of the active drug, in an amount of about 0.15 μg/kg/min, wherein the active drug is tirofiban or a salt thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for reducing the risk of acute coronary syndrome in a patient at risk to acute coronary syndrome, comprising 1) administering to the patient a bolus injection of tirofiban or salt thereof, in amounts sufficient to inhibit platelet aggregation of at least 85% at all times between 15 and 60 minutes after onset of treatment following administration of the bolus injection. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the patient is undergoing early coronary revascularization with percutaneous coronary angioplasty. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the patient is undergoing early coronary revascularization with percutaneous coronary atherectomy. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the acute coronary syndrome requires insertion of a coronary endovascular stent. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein acute coronary syndrome requires repeat percutaneous intervention for acute ischemia. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein acute coronary syndrome requires coronary artery bypass grafting. 
     
     
         7 . A method of preventing platelet thrombosis, thromboembolism and reocclusion during and after thrombolytic therapy in a patient comprising 1) administering to the patient a bolus injection of tirofiban or salt thereof, in amounts sufficient to inhibit platelet aggregation of at least 85% at all times between 15 and 60 minutes after onset of treatment following administration of the bolus injection. 
     
     
         8 . A method of preventing platelet thrombosis, thromboembolism and reocclusion after angioplasty or coronary artery bypass procedures in a patient comprising 1) administering to the patient a bolus injection of tirofiban or salt thereof, in amounts sufficient to inhibit platelet aggregation of at least 85% at all times between 15 and 60 minutes after onset of treatment following administration of the bolus injection. 
     
     
         9 . A method of preventing myocardial infarction in a patient comprising 1) administering to the patient a bolus injection of tirofiban or salt thereof, in amounts sufficient to inhibit platelet aggregation of at least 85% at all times between 15 and 60 minutes after onset of treatment following administration of the bolus injection. 
     
     
         10 . A method of administering to a patient a bolus injection of tirofiban or salt thereof, in amounts sufficient to inhibit platelet aggregation of at least 85% at all times between 15 and 60 minutes after onset of treatment following administration of the bolus injection. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the platelet aggregation occurs in peripheral arteries.