Names and Examples of Antiplatelets:
- Aspirin
- Ticlid (trclopidine)
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Aggrenox, Persantine (dipyridamole)
How They Work:
These drugs decrease the blood's ability to form clots by preventing the platelets (the smallest blood cells) from sticking together.
These drugs decrease the blood's ability to form clots by preventing the platelets (the smallest blood cells) from sticking together.
Possible Side Effects:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:
- Bruising
- Stomach irritation
- Blood in stool
- Allergic reaction
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting and / or diarrhea
- Ringing in the ears
Points to Remember:
- If you miss a dose, do not take double the next dose or day.
- Take the exact dose prescribed at the same time everyday.
- Do not stop taking unless your doctor tells you to stop.
- Take with food to prevent stomach irritation
- Use enteric-coated or buffered aspirin to avoid stomach irritation
- Report any signs of abnormal bleeding your doctor immediately. If you are having abnormal bleeding and you cannot reach your doctor, go to the hospital.
Possible Drug Interactions:
- Avoid any other medications containing aspirin.
- Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Advil or ibuprofen. (Unless your doctor told you not to, it is OK to take Tylenol (acetaminophen).)
- Do not take the herb Red Clover.
- Do not take with antacids. If antacids are necessary take either two hours before or two hours after.
- If you are also taking digoxin, your blood levels may need to be closely monitored. Make sure all of your doctors know all of the drugs you are taking.
