Abciximab in the treatment of coronary artery disease

Antiplatelet therapy constitutes a cornerstone in the strategies aimed at the effective management of acute coronary syndrome. Abciximab is the oldest and most commonly used intravenous antiplatelet agent in this context, in particular when an invasive strategy is adopted. It is very commonly used in more unstable and high-risk patients. Trials have proven the event-free survival benefits of using abciximab in the right context. This agent also has some adverse outcomes associated with its use that the clinicians need to be well aware of and take precautions against. The comparative cost efficacy with its use too is of significance. There is a growing evidence base on the different ways abciximab is used and the benefits and risks thereof. Since the development and introduction of novel anticoagulants and more potent oral anti-platelet agents, the place of abciximab in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome today needs to be reviewed and clearly defined. This review attempts to study the cross-section of the evidence base to date on the clinical use, efficacy and risks related to the use of abciximab and spotlight the most recent guidelines published by the different global peak bodies to provide a practical overview to the clinician.