Antiplatelet Drugs

QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD

Antiplatelets are indicated for treatment of arterial thrombi as the composition of arterial thrombi is mainly platelet aggregates. There are three major groups of antiplatelets: aspirin (the prototype drug), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibitors, and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Other antiplatelet drugs include dipyridamole, dipyridamole plus aspirin, cilostazol, and anagrelide.

Aspirin and ADP inhibitors are limited in their antiplatelet effects as they affect one pathway of platelet activation. GP IIb/IIIa Inhibitors have strong antiplatelet effects as they block the final step in platelet activation.¹

Table 46-1 Antiplatelet Drugs

Prototype Drug	Related Drugs	Drug Classification
aspirin	anagrelide (Agrylin)	Antiplatelets
	cilostazol (Pletal)
	dipyridamole (Persantine)
	dipyridamole plus aspirin (Aggrenox)
There is no prototype for this classification	clopidogrel (Plavix)	ADP inhibitors
There is no prototype for this classification	ticlopidine (Ticlid)	ADP inhibitors
There is no prototype for this classification	abciximab (ReoPro)	GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors
	eptifibatide (Integrilin)
	tirofiban (Aggrastat)

ANTIPLATELET DRUGS CLIENT TEACHING

See “Client Teaching” in Chapter 36.
Use a soft toothbrush for brushing teeth and safety razor for shaving.
Avoid concurrent use of OTC and herbal remedies without consulting with health care provider.
Report signs of bleeding or bruising (eg, nose, emesis, sputum, stool, urine, petechiae).
Report chest pain, edema, or palpitations to health care provider.
Notify health care provider including the dentist if taking antiplatelets.
Advise client that therapy is used for long-term prevention and treatment but is not a cure.
Avoid alcohol and smoking while on antiplatelet therapy.