How Do Hematologic Antiplatelets Work?

Hematologic antiplatelets are a class of medications mainly prescribed for treating heart attacks and stroke.

Usually, the body sends platelets to the site of injury, where they clump together to form a blood clot. In some cases, platelets get lodged inside the blood vessels that are injured, inflamed, or that have plaque build-up (atherosclerosis).

Antiplatelet drugs inhibit platelet release and aggregation and prevent platelet formation in the blood. When platelet aggregation is prohibited, the blood clots fail to lodge, and thus the risk of heart attack and stroke is minimized.

Hematologic antiplatelets are mainly prescribed for treating:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Angina
• Stroke or transient ischemic attacks
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Valve disease
• They can also be given to patients after:

Angioplasty and stent procedures

• Coronary artery bypass surgery

The most common side effects of hematologic antiplatelet agents include:

• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Upset stomach and nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Nosebleed

Some of the rare side effects of hematologic antiplatelet drugs include:

• Allergic reaction, with swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, or ankles
• Skin rash, itching, or hives
• Throwing up, especially if the vomit has blood in it or looks like coffee grounds
• Dark or bloody stools or blood in the urine
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Trouble speaking or slowed speech
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Arrhythmia (fast heartbeat)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Joint pain
• Weakness or numbness of the arm or leg
• Confusion or hallucinations

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of hematologic antiplatelets include:

• Acetylsalicylic acid
• Aggrenox
• Agrylin
• Anagrelide
• ASA
• Aspirin
• Aspirin/dipyridamole
• Bayer advanced aspirin
• Bayer buffered aspirin
• Bayer children's aspirin
• Bayer extra strength
• Bayer extra strength plus
• Bayer low adult strength
• Bayer women's low dose
• Bufferin
• Bufferin extra strength
• Cilostazol
• Clopidogrel
• Dipyridamole
• Durlaza
• Ecotrin
• Ecotrin maximum strength
• Effient
• Extended release Bayer 8-hour caplets
• Extra strength Bayer plus caplets
• Genuine Bayer aspirin
• Halfprin DSC
• Maximum Bayer aspirin
• Persantine
• Plavix
• Pletal
• Prasugrel
• St. Joseph adult chewable aspirin
• St. Joseph regular strength
• Ticlid
• Ticlopidine
• Vazalore