Effect of a single Ditazole dose on platelet aggregation and prostaglandin formation.

The in vitro activity of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent Ditazole was investigated in a group of 20 male patients at thrombotic risk in comparison with placebo in a completely randomized cross-over design. A single Ditazole administration was able to induce a significant decrease in the number of circulating platelet aggregates (CPA), platelet aggregability by ADP and in thromboxane production by platelets. No significant changes were found in platelet cAMP concentration and in plasma 6keto-PGF1 alpha levels. Present results indicate that Ditazole affects platelet aggregation in a double way, by decreasing both the reversible and the ADP-induced aggregation. The lack of effects on plasma 6keto-PGF1 alpha concentration suggests that Ditazole can reduce platelet aggregation without affecting prostacyclin production.