NCIt definition : A non-peptide tyrosine derivative, with anticoagulant activity. Upon administration,
tirofiban antagonizes fibrinogen binding to the platelet cell surface receptor, glycoprotein
(GP) IIb/IIIA complex, one of the two purinergic receptors activated by ADP. This
prevents the GP IIb/IIIa receptor complex-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase.
This results in decreased levels of cAMP, interferes with the platelet membrane function
and subsequent platelet-platelet interaction, prevents the release of platelet granule
constituents and prolongs bleeding time.;