Antiplatelet Agents



Antiplatelet agents inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent formation of the platelet plug. Platelet plug forms in places of vascular injury to stop bleeding, and it can also cause pathological artherosclerosis and thrombosis. There are two classes of antiplatelet agents: glycoprotein platelet inhibitors and platelet aggregation inhibitors. These drugs work by different mechanisms to inhibit platelet function. Antiplatelet agents are used as treatment and prophylaxis in patients who have had myocardial infarctions or are at a high risk of other thromboembolic disorders such as stroke.

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