Inhibition by picotamide of thromboxane production in vitro and ex vivo.

The effect of picotamide on platelet function has been studied in vitro and ex vivo. Picotamide at micromolar concentrations inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid and collagen, and it also inhibited the production of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Unlike aspirin, picotamide did not affect the synthesis of prostacyclin by blood vessels. In eight healthy subjects who took picotamide 1200 mg/d platelet aggregation and TxA2 production were inhibited. Picotamide appears to be an antiplatelet drug that reduces TxA2 synthesis without affecting cyclo-oxygenase activity.