Effects of nabumetone on platelet function in healthy volunteers

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are frequently prescribed but gastrointestinal haemorrhages and inhibition of platelet function are two side effects that limit their use. Nabumetone belongs to a new prostaglandin-sparing class of NSAID with a low potential for causing gastrointestinal mucosal irritancy and inhibition of platelet function.

We have used flow cytometry and in vitro bleeding time (IVBT) to measure the effects of nabumetone on platelet function in healthy volunteers. Nabumetone was found to cause a significant decrease in platelet-bound fibrinogen after adenosine diphosphate (ADP) activation using flow cytometry and a significant increase in IVBT when using CaCl₂ as activating substance. The platelet inhibitory effect was less pronounced than the changes seen with low dose aspirin. Flow cytometry and IVBT are two sensitive methods well suited for clinical use and could both be used to monitor drug-induced inhibition of platelet function.