Triflusal
Triflusal is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that was discovered and developed in the Uriach Laboratories, and commercialised in Spain since 1981. Currently, it is available in 25 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. It is a drug of the salicylate family but it is not a derivative of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Trade names include Disgren, Grendis, Aflen and Triflux.
Mechanism of action
Triflusal is a selective platelet antiaggregant through;
blocks cyclooxygenase inhibiting thromboxane A2, preventing aggregation
preserves vascular prostacyclin, thus promoting anti-aggregant effect
blocks phosphodiesterase thereby increasing cAMP concentration, thereby promoting anti-aggregant effect due to inhibition of calcium mobilization
Indication
Triflusal is indicated for;
Prevention of cardiovascular events such as stroke
Acute treatment of cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction
Thromboprophylaxis due to atrial fibrillation
Prevention of stroke
In the 2008 guidelines for stroke management from the European Stroke Organization, triflusal was for the first time recommended as lone therapy, as an alternative to acetylsalicylic acid plus dipyridamole, or clopidogrel alone for secondary prevention of atherothrombotic stroke. This recommendation was based on the double-blind, randomised TACIP and TAPIRSS trials, which found triflusal to be equally as effective as Aspirin in preventing post-stroke vascular events, while having a more favourable safety profile.