Acute Coronary Syndrome Pharmacology

Question 1

What are the drug classes used to treat ACS

Answer 1

1. Antiplatelet drugs - disrupt platelet function
2. Anticoagulants - disrupt clotting factors
3. Thrombolytic drugs - breaks up already formed blood clot

Question 2

What are the Antiplatelet drug sub-categories

Answer 2

1. Thromboxane A2 inhibitor
2. P2Y12 ADP receptor blockers
3. Platelet glycoprotein receptor blockers

Question 3

Example thromboxane A2 inhibitor

Answer 3

Aspirin

START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ACS EVENT (usually as part of dual antiplatelet therapy w/ P2Y12)

Question 4

Example P2Y12 ADP receptor inhibitor

Answer 4

Clopidogrel
Prasugrel
Ticagrelor

These drugs bind to Gi receptors which inhibit adenylyl cyclase and reduce cAMP levels

Question 5

Example platelet glycoprotein receptor blockers

Answer 5

Abciximab
Eptifibatide
Tirofiban

Question 6

What are the thromolytic drug sub-catergories & examples

Answer 6

1. Tissue-type plasminogen activator drugs (t-PA)
   - Alteplase
   - Reteplase
   - Tenecteplase
2. Streptokinase preparation
   - Streptokinase

Question 7

What are the anticoagulants used in ACS

Answer 7

Unfractionated heparin (UFH)
Enoxaparin
Bivalirudin
Fondaparinux