Antiplatelets: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Antiplatelets: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Sample item

During primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a drug that blocks the final common pathway of platelet aggregation by binding the fibrinogen receptor is given intravenously. Which is it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Eptifibatide

Abciximab, eptifibatide and tirofiban block the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, preventing fibrinogen cross-linking regardless of the activating stimulus. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding are the main adverse effects.

Option by option

  • A. Clopidogrel

    Clopidogrel blocks the P2Y12 receptor.

  • B. Eptifibatide (correct)

    Correct. Eptifibatide is a GP IIb/IIIa antagonist.

  • C. Aspirin

    Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase.

  • D. Ticagrelor

    Ticagrelor is a reversible P2Y12 blocker.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, Eptifibatide. Abciximab, eptifibatide and tirofiban block the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, preventing fibrinogen cross-linking regardless of the activating stimulus.

Why is "Clopidogrel" not the answer?

Clopidogrel blocks the P2Y12 receptor.

Why is "Aspirin" not the answer?

Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase.

Why is "Ticagrelor" not the answer?

Ticagrelor is a reversible P2Y12 blocker.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antiplatelets: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in Pharmacology. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding are the main adverse effects.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antiplatelets: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.