Effects of benoxaprofen and indomethacin on platelet function and biochemistry.

Benoxaprofen did not impair platelet function or platelet prostaglandin synthesis in vivo or in vitro in contrast to indomethacin, a known prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. Platelet cyclic AMP levels were not changed by either drug in vivo or in vitro. The results of routine tests for hemostatic function (template bleeding time and blood clotting assays) were not changed by either drug. A trend towards inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase by benoxaprofen was observed. The significance of this observation, if valid, remains obscure. These studies suggest that benoxaprofen, which does not appreciably suppress hemostatic function, may be used safely in patients with acquired or congenital coagulation defects (e.g. patients receiving oral anticoagulant, hemophiliacs with arthropathy).