Anti-Platelet Drugs
This type of drug is often used to lower the “stickiness” of the platelets, which are small blood components which form blood clots. By limiting the ability of these elements to clump together, these drugs can help prevent blood clotting. There are three common groups to choose:
– Aggrenox and Aspirin: These drugs are often available in prescription form and OTC. They have modest effects but would cause fewer adverse effects than other options.
– Effient, Plavix, and Ticlid: These are more powerful drugs which are often used for people who have received stents.
– Aggrastat, Integrilin, and ReoPro: These are the most powerful options that can inhibit platelet from causing blood clots. However, they are very expensive and need intravenous giving. [3]
