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Drugs in this class include:
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- Aspirin (ASA)
- Warfarin
- Clopidogrel
- Ticlopidine
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Aspirin is a very weak blood thinner and works by blocking the activity of blood platelets, which are the blood cells responsible for clotting. ASA has been shown to reduce the incidence of heart attack and for this reason is one of the most common drugs used to treat coronary artery disease.
Clopidogrel and ticlopidine, like ASA, are blockers of blood platelets, but are much more potent than ASA. Clopidogrel and ticlopidine are primarily prescribed by cardiologists after a coronary stent procedure, to prevent clotting of the newly placed stent. The drugs are usually prescribed for a period of 3-4 weeks following stenting, then discontinued. Clopidogrel and ticlopidine, in rare cases, may cause a rash. In extremely rare cases, these two drugs may also cause low blood counts. Clopidogrel and ticlopidine are also effective in prevention of stroke in patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.
Abciximab, eptifipitide, tirofiban are potent platelet function blockers. These drugs are given intravenously and are used only in the hospital. They are commonly used in the treatment of unstable angina and heart attack. They are also used as adjunctive treatment during angioplasty and stent procedures and reduce the incidence of heart attack after complex angioplasty.
Warfarin is a very potent blood thinner that acts by blocking the blood clotting proteins. Warfarin has no effect on blood platelets. Warfarin is primarily used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, an abnormality in the heart rhythm that predisposes to blood clot formation in the heart which may lead to stroke. Warfarin use significantly reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Warfarin is also used in patients who have artificial metallic heart valve prostheses. Warfarin interacts with many other commonly used drugs and even certain foods, especially leafy green vegetables. Warfarin blood levels must be very closely monitored, usually every 2 to 4 weeks, to avoid overthinning or underthinning of the blood.
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