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Health Library Antiplatelet Medicines for Peripheral Arterial DiseaseFrom Healthwise

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Antiplatelet Medicines for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
abciximabReoPro
aspirin with dipyridamoleAggrenox
clopidogrelPlavix
ticlopidineTiclid
tirofibanAggrastat

How It Works

Antiplatelets work in various ways to prevent blood clots.

Why It Is Used

These medicines may be used instead of aspirin (which is also an antiplatelet medicine) or after a person has had a procedure (such as bypass surgery, atherectomy, or angioplasty) performed on a blood vessel.

How Well It Works

These medicines can prevent the formation of blood clots in people who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).1 Antiplatelet medicines may help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who have PAD.

Side Effects

Some side effects of these antiplatelet medicines may include:

  • Stomach irritation.
  • Bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Increased bruising.
  • Bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain or other internal organs.
  • Lowered numbers of blood cells.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

All antiplatelet medicines increase the risk of bleeding.

The best dosage and length of treatment with these medicines is still under study.

Clopidogrel may not work as well as it should in some people, because their bodies may not break down the drug properly. If your doctor thinks that your body is not using clopidogrel properly, he or she may give you a genetic test. This test checks to see if you have genes that let your body use clopidogrel. But experts aren't sure yet whether genetic changes keep clopidogrel from working. If you have concerns about the medicine, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking clopidogrel unless your doctor tells you to.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Tran H, Anand SS, (2004). Oral antiplatelet therapy in cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease. JAMA, 292 (15): 1867–1874.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDavid A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
Last RevisedApril 24, 2010

Last Revised: April 24, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

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