Triflusal: an antiplatelet drug with a neuroprotective effect?
Triflusal is a derivative of salicylic acid with a well-established platelet aggregation inhibitory profile. Its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties differ, however, somewhat from those of acetylsalicylic acid. A number of recent experimental and clinical studies have shown that triflusal is a potentially useful choice in the treatment and prophylaxis of brain ischemia because of its antithrombogenic as well as neuroprotective effects. Its antithrombogenic effect has been demonstrated at the clinical as well as at the experimental level, while its neuroprotective effect has been shown only in experimental models. The drug interferes with thrombogenesis by inhibiting thromboxane synthesis and increasing the levels of cAMP and nitric oxide. Its neuroprotective action is the result of its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects in brain tissue. From a clinical standpoint triflusal is similar in efficacy to acetylsalicylic acid in preventing stroke, but has less adverse effects, especially it is less likely to cause bleeding. Because of its pharmacodynamic properties and lower rate of adverse reactions, triflusal may be a useful alternative to acetylsalicylic acid in the prevention of stroke.
González-Correa
José Antonio
JA
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
De La Cruz
José Pedro
JP
D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D012459:Salicylates; C016167:triflusal