Enoxaparin in combination with tirofiban is well tolerated in patients with acute coronary syndromes, a multinational study has shown. The results were announced at the American Heart Association's annual conference in New Orleans, on November 15.
The study investigated the safety profile of enoxaparin plus tirofiban and aspirin compared with unfractionated heparin plus tirofiban and aspirin in 525 patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Patients were randomised to receive one of the two regimens within 24 hours of their most recent episode of chest pain.
Dr Pierre Theroux (Montreal Heart institute, Canada), lead researcher, said that: "The combination of tirofiban and enoxaparin was found to be well tolerated and resulted in low bleeding rates, comparable to that of standard unfractionated heparin. "Unlike unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins, such as enoxaparin, are easier to administer and do not require frequent dose adjustments.
The British National Formulary (number 40) says that tirofiban is currently licensed for use with heparin and aspirin to prevent early myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.