EFFECTS OF NABUMETONE ON PLATELET-FUNCTION IN HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are frequently prescribe d but gastrointestinal haemorrhages and inhibition of platelet functio n are two side effects that limit their use. Nabumetone belongs to a n ew prostaglandin-sparing class of NSAID with a low potential for causi ng gastrointestinal mucosal irritancy and inhibition of platelet funct ion. We have used flow cytometry and in vitro bleeding time (IVBT) to measure the effects of nabumetone on platelet function in healthy volu nteers. Nabumetone was found to cause a significant decrease in platel et-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 pronoun ced than the changes seen with low dose aspirin. Flow cytometry and IV BT are two sensitive methods well suited for clinical use and could bo th be used to monitor drug-induced inhibition of platelet function.