- Body system
- Blood and clotting
- Name stem
- -grel
- Drug cards
- 2 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Ticagrelor, Prasugrel, Dipyridamole, Cilostazol.
How antiplatelet drugs work
Aspirin irreversibly blocks COX and thromboxane A2; P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) block ADP-induced platelet activation.
Uses
- Acute coronary syndrome
- After coronary stent placement (dual antiplatelet therapy)
- Secondary prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction
- Peripheral artery disease
Adverse effects
- Bleeding and bruising
- GI irritation and bleeding (aspirin)
- Dyspnea (ticagrelor)
Nursing considerations
- Assess for bleeding and monitor hemoglobin.
- Antiplatelet drugs may be held before surgery only as ordered; stopping them early after a stent can cause stent thrombosis.
- Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers with viral illnesses (Reye syndrome).
Patient teaching
- Do not stop without talking to your cardiologist.
- Tell dentists and surgeons you take it.
- Report black stools or unusual bleeding.
Antiplatelet drugs NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient who had a coronary stent placed 2 months ago wants to stop clopidogrel because of bruising. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer C: Do not stop it without talking to your cardiologist; stopping early can cause the stent to clot Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy after a stent greatly raises the risk of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
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Why should aspirin be avoided in a 12-year-old with influenza?
Show answer
Answer D: Risk of Reye syndrome Aspirin in children and teenagers with viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome, which affects the brain and liver.
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Which suffix is common to the P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel and prasugrel?
Show answer
Answer C: -grel Clopidogrel and prasugrel end in -grel; ticagrelor shares the stem with a different ending.
Frequently asked questions
What are antiplatelet drugs?
Antiplatelet drugs stop platelets from clumping. They prevent arterial clots in coronary artery disease, stents and stroke, and raise the risk of bleeding.
How do antiplatelet drugs work?
Aspirin irreversibly blocks COX and thromboxane A2; P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) block ADP-induced platelet activation.
What are examples of antiplatelet drugs?
Clopidogrel, Aspirin, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel, Dipyridamole and Cilostazol.
What are the nursing considerations for antiplatelet drugs?
Assess for bleeding and monitor hemoglobin. Antiplatelet drugs may be held before surgery only as ordered; stopping them early after a stent can cause stent thrombosis.