Cholesterol and blood thinners
Antiplatelets
Used for
Prevent heart attack and stroke; after stents
How it works
Keep platelets from sticking together, which is how a clot starts in an artery.
Watch for
Bleeding, especially with other blood thinners or NSAIDs.
- Name clue
- -grel
- Examples
- clopidogrel (Plavix)
- prasugrel (Effient)
- ticagrelor (Brilinta)
- aspirin
More in cholesterol and blood thinners
- StatinsHigh cholesterol; lower heart attack and stroke risk
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitorsHigh cholesterol, often with a statin
- FibratesHigh triglycerides
- Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)Prevent and treat blood clots
- Factor Xa inhibitorsPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- Direct thrombin inhibitorsPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- HeparinsPrevent and treat clots, often in the hospital
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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