MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Platelet Inhibitors

Names for Aspirin group
acetylsalicilic acid (aspirin, Ecotrin, others)
dipyridamole (Persantine)
find this generic name (Plavix)
ticlopidine (Ticlid)

Names for IIb/IIIa Platelet Inhibitors
abciximab (Reopro)
integrelin (Aggrastat)
others

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Platelet inhibitors are used to prevent clots from forming in the blood, especially in arteries. These drugs are extremely important in treating cardiovascular disease because they can prevent stroke and heart attack. Platelet inhibitors are often used to:

Prevent the sudden reclosing of a coronary artery that has recently been treated with balloon angioplasty and stent placement (IIb/IIIa inhibitors and aspirin)
Prevent recurrent clot formation in an artery that has just caused your heart attack
Prevent stroke when you have been shown to have hardening (atherosclerosis) of the arteries to the brain
Help prevent heart attack if you have already been diagnosed with coronary artery blockages

Platelet inhibitors can help prevent strokes and heart attacks. They are often referred to as "blood thinners," but what they really do is make platelets in your blood stream less "sticky." That means the platelets will be less likely to clump together and cause clots to form.

For more information about other "blood thinners," see the section in this manual called, Anticoagulants.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines at the beginning of this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs, pain relievers, cold remedies or other blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Have any medical conditions, especially bleeding problems such as heavy menstrual periods or history of an ulcer, anemia or other blood disorders, liver or kidney disease

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take these medications exactly as directed. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Take these medications with food to decrease possible stomach irritation.
Do not take any antacids for two hours before or after this medication.
Remember that these medications interfere with your body's normal blood clotting mechanism. Be sure to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Although side effects from platelet aggregation inhibitors are not common, you should report any of the following to your doctor immediately: sudden appearance of bruises; dark or cloudy urine; vomiting up of dark brown material; bleeding gums; excessive menstrual bleeding; new onset of pain such as backache, headache, or abdominal pain; dark, tarry bowel movements or nosebleeds. Ticlodipine can cause a blood disorder, and your doctor may ask you to get a complete blood count while taking this medicine. Aspirin is known for its ability to cause irritation to the stomach lining. Taking a coated form of aspirin can sometimes help prevent this side effect.