Clinical and experimental studies on the action of ethamsylate on haemostasis and on platelet functions

In a series of tests,the action of ethamsylate on haemostasis and on platelet functions was examined. After oral administration of the drug,a highly significant diminution of the bleeding time and of the blood loss from a standard wound was observed. This effect was demonstrated in healthy individuals and in patients suffering from platelet dysfunctions,and there was a distinct dose relation. There was also an increase of platelet adhesion,of PF 3 availability and of PF 4 release. The action of prostacyclin on the epinephrine induced platelet aggregation could be inhibited by ethamsylate. This offers a possible explanation for some of the effects on hemostasis. In addition,an action of ethamsylate on the platelet membrane was assumed since an in vitro increase of functions of the platelet membrane like PF 3 availability would not be explainable by a possible inhibition of prostacyclin.