Table of contents:
- How do antiplatelet agents work?
- What are the side effects of using antiplatelet agents?
- Which must be considered
Antiplatelet drugs are used to treat heart disease. These drugs are a group of powerful drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots. When you are injured, platelets arrive at the site of the wound to form blood clots to stop the bleeding. When an injury leaves your skin exposed, blood clots are a good thing. But platelets can also increase when internal vascular injury occurs, which may occur in arteries affected by atherosclerosis. In this situation, platelets cause a blood clot to develop in an artery that is already injured. Antiplatelet drugs can prevent this process from occurring.
Antiplatelets are needed for patients who have experienced:
- coronary artery disease
- heart attack
- angina (chest pain)
- stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA)
- peripheral artery disease
- have had angioplasty and stent placement
- have had heart bypass or valve replacement surgery
- to prevent blood clots from forming in someone with atrial fibrillation.
Aspirin is most commonly used to prevent TIA and stroke.
Aspirin combined with dipyridamole (Aggrenox) is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) can be used for people who cannot take aspirin.
How do antiplatelet agents work?
Clots form when platelets gather and protein in the blood together to form a solid mass. Blood clots are usually good, such as when you have a cut or cut. However, when a blood clot forms in your blood vessels, this is dangerous because it can block blood circulation. Blood clots that form in the arteries or the heart can also stop blood flow, causing a heart attack. A blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain can cause a stroke. Antiplatelet drugs work by stopping platelets from pooling and protein clotting.
What are the side effects of using antiplatelet agents?
Antiplatelet agents can cause side effects, although serious reactions are rare.
Common side effects of clopidogrel include:
- headache or dizziness
- nausea
- diarrhea or constipation
- digestive problems (dyspepsia)
- stomach ache
- nosebleed
- increased bleeding (the blood takes longer to clot. For example, when you accidentally injure yourself), or easy bruising.
Talk to your doctor if side effects get worse or don't go away.
Although the antiplatelet agents do not affect your ability to drive, some people may feel dizzy while driving under the influence of this drug. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy.
The more serious side effects include:
- rash and hives
- severe stomach pain
- uncontrolled bleeding or unusual bruising
- vomits with blood
- tiredness or numbness in your hands or feet
- blood in the urine (hematuria)
- blood during bowel movements
Which must be considered
Do not take antiplatelet agents if you are at risk of bleeding, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with altitude, congestive heart failure, or liver or kidney problems. Coumadin can make this condition worse.
Talk to your doctor to make sure the benefits of taking these blood thinners outweigh the risks.
