Antiplatelet agents – drugs to thin the blood

Antiplatelet agents are a group of drugs that prevent blood clots.

They act at the stage of coagulation, in which coalescence, or aggregation, of platelets. They inhibit (inhibit) the process of bonding the platelets, and coagulation occurs. Different drugs in this group have different mechanisms of action for antiplatelet effect.

Today in medicine, used as long been known to contribute to thinning of the blood, and the modern drugs have fewer contraindications and less pronounced side effects. Pharmacology is constantly working on new drugs, the characteristics of which will be better than the previous one.

When prescribed

The main indications for receiving antiplatelet agents the following:

• Coronary artery disease (heart disease).
• Transistor ischemic attack.
• Violations of cerebral circulation, prevention of ischemic stroke, condition after ischemic stroke.
• Hypertension.
• Condition after surgical intervention on the heart.
• Obliterating diseases of vessels of the legs.

Contraindications

Different drugs can have different contraindications. To the General include the following:

• Disorders in the liver and kidney Express.
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach.
• The disease associated with the risk of bleeding.
• Heart failure with severe manifestations.
• The hemorrhagic stroke.
• Pregnancy and time of breastfeeding.

List the antiplatelet agents and their classification

All antiplatelet agents can be divided into groups:

1. Acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives (Thrombotic-as, Aspirin cardio, Accardo, Cardiomagnyl, Epicor, Cardiac) and others.
2. Blockers of ADP receptors (Clopidogrel, Tiklopidin).
3. Inhibitors fosfodiesterazy (Triflusal, Dipyridamole).
4. Blockers glycoprotein receptors (Lamifiban, Eptifibatide, Tirofiban, Abciximab).
5. Inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism (Indobufen, Picotamide).
6. Medications based on Ginkgo Biloba (Bilobil, Ginos, Ginkyo).
7. Plants with antiplatelet properties (horse chestnut, blueberry, licorice, green tea, ginger, soy, cranberries, garlic, ginseng, red clover, pomegranate, St. John's wort, onions and others).
8. This category includes vitamin E, which exhibits the same properties.

Now some more details about some of the most common drugs.

Aspirin

First on the list is acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is the most famous tool that is widely used not only as the operation, but also as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. The mechanism of action of aspirinis the inhibition of biosynthesis of thromboxane A2, which is in platelets. Thus, the process of adhesion is disturbed and the blood coagulates more slowly. In large doses aspirin acts on other coagulation factors, causing anticoagulant effect is enhanced.

Clopidogrel

This drug belongs to the blockers of ADP receptors. It blocks the binding of adenosine triphosphate receptors than inhibits the process of clumping of platelets. In comparison with other blockers of ADP receptors causes less allergies and side effects from the blood system and the digestive tract.

After ingestion there is a rapid absorption of the drug in the digestive tract, in an hour observed maximum concentration in the blood. Excreted in the feces and urine. The maximum effect is achieved after about a week and can last up to 10 days. Available in tablets.

Prevents thrombus formation in cardiovascular diseases more effectively than aspirin.

The drug should not be administered together with direct and indirect anticoagulants. Contraindications are basically the same as other funds in this group.

Of side effects observed allergies, jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness.

Integrilin (Eptifibatide)

Refers to antagonists of the IIb/IIIa glycoprotein receptors. Inhibits the binding of fibrinogen and coagulation factors plasma with receptors on platelets, thereby inhibits platelets from sticking together. It does not affect APTT and prothrombin time. His actions are reversible, and a few hours later to platelets and their function returned.

Together with Integrilin administered heparin and acetylsalicylic acid in the complex treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Available in injectable solution and is used only in hospital treatment.

The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, internal bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, severe hypertension, thrombocytopenia, aneurysm, severe renal and hepatic pathologies.

Of the side effects include bradycardia, decreased blood pressure, allergic reactions, a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.

Has chimes

Refers to phosphodiesterase inhibitors of the platelet with the main active substance dipyridamole.

Its antiplatelet effect is based on inhibition of enzyme activity of platelets, release of endothelial prostacyclin and block formation of thromboxane A2.

In its effect similar to aspirin, in addition, expands the coronary vessels during an attack of angina.

Absorbed in the digestive tract quickly, 40-60 %, and in about an hour reaches its maximum concentration in the blood.Excreted in the bile.

Form release medications tablets and drops.

Of the side effects most often observed:

• dizziness;
• headache,
• nausea,
• the redness of the skin;
• muscle pain;
• lower blood pressure,
• skin allergies;
• increased symptoms of ischemia.