Antiplatelet drug

Antiplatelet Drugs[edit | edit source]

Various types of antiplatelet medications used in thrombotic disease prevention.

Antiplatelet Drugs, also known as platelet agglutination inhibitors or platelet aggregation inhibitors, are pharmaceuticals that reduce platelet aggregation and inhibit thrombus (blood clot) formation. They play a crucial role in the management and prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Antiplatelet drugs work by interrupting the process of platelet aggregation, a key step in blood clot formation. Common mechanisms include:

Inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (as in aspirin)
Blocking P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors on platelets (as in clopidogrel)

Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]

Illustration of the cardiovascular system, where antiplatelet drugs are commonly used.

These drugs are widely used for:

Primary prevention of heart attack and stroke in high-risk patients
Secondary prevention of thrombotic events in patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases
Patients undergoing certain surgical procedures, like angioplasty

Differences from Anticoagulants[edit | edit source]

While both antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants prevent clot formation, they work in different ways. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, act on the blood coagulation cascade, whereas antiplatelet drugs specifically target platelet aggregation processes. Antiplatelets are particularly effective in the arterial circulation, where anticoagulants have less effect.

External Links[edit | edit source]

Antiplatelet drug Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.