Antiplatelet drugs are a group of powerful medications that prevent the formation of
blood clots. When you are wounded, platelets arrive on the scene and group together, forming a blood
clot that stops the bleeding. In many situations, this is a good thing. But platelets can also
aggregate when injury to a blood vessel occurs, like during atherosclerosis. In this situation, the
platelets cause blood clots to develop in an already stressed artery. Antiplatelet medications can
prevent this process from occurring.
Aspirin is the most common antiplatelet drug. Other antiplatelet drugs used to treat
heart disease include Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) and Ticlid (ticlopidine hydrochloride).
For what conditions are antiplatelets used?
Antiplatelets may be prescribed for patients with a history of:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Angina (chest pain)
- Stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
- Peripheral artery disease
Antiplatelets are also used:
- After angioplasty and stent placement
- After heart bypass surgery
- To prevent the formation of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation
How are antiplatelets taken?
Antiplatelets are pills that are usually taken once or twice a day. They should not be
taken on an empty stomach.
Before this medication is prescribed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin,
ibuprofen or naproxen.
People with bleeding problems, ulcers, or those who are planning to undergo surgery,
including dental surgery, should talk to their doctor before taking these drugs, as they may cause
excessive bleeding.
You should not stop taking your antiplatelet medications unless advised by your
doctor.
Antiplatelet drugs may need to be taken for the rest of your life, depending on your
condition.
You may need to undergo regular blood tests to monitor your medication dosage. Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to the medication can be
checked.
While taking these medications, ask your doctor what medicines you may take for pain
relief or minor colds. Read the labels of other pain relievers and cold products to make sure they
are aspirin-free. Medicines containing aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause
bleeding problems when taken along with antiplatelet drugs.
Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking this medicine. You might need to stop taking this medicine for five to
seven days before dental work or surgery. However, do not stop taking this medicine without first
consulting with your doctor.
Use caution during activities requiring alertness (such as driving a car) until you
know how this drug affects you.
Are there side effects associated with antiplatelets?
Yes. Nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, rash, and itching are the most common
side effects. To reduce nausea and stomach upset, take this medication with meals. Contact your
doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away.
People taking antiplatelet medication are advised to contact their doctor immediately
if they experience any of the following:
- Any signs of unusual bleeding, such as blood in the urine or stools, nosebleeds,
any unusual bruising, heavy bleeding from cuts, black tarry stools, coughing up of blood, unusually
heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected vaginal bleeding, vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Dizziness
- Decreased alertness
- Severe headache
- Joint pain or swelling
- Problems with walking or speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Tightness in chest, chest pain
- Fever, chills, sore throat
- Swelling of face or hands
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Confusion
- Seizures or convulsions
- Persistent constipation
- Severe stomach pain
- Ringing in ears
Side effects can be worse in people with asthma and allergies.
Can pregnant women take these drugs?
If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, inform your doctor before taking
antiplatelets.
Taking antiplatelets during the last two weeks of pregnancy may cause bleeding
problems in the baby both before and after delivery.
Can I breastfeed my baby while taking antiplatelets?
Antiplatelets can be passed to the infant through breast milk. However, their effect on
nursing infants is unknown. You should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor and your
baby's doctor.
© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not
intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your
health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.This document was last
reviewed on: 1/1/2006
