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Antiplatelet drugs




Aspirin

Aspirin works by irreversibly acetylating platelet cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) resulting in decreased production of thromboxane A2.

Aspirin also irreversibly acetylates COX-2 when given at high doses which results in an anti-inflammatory effect.


P2Y12 Inhibitors

Examples include clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor as well as ticlodipine. They work by binding to the P2Y12 component of ADP  receptors on platelets resulting in inhibition of platelet aggregation.





Phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Dipyridamole and Cilostazol also cause inhibition of platelet aggregation and they work by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity which leads to elevated cAMP.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

Examples include abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. These work by inhibiting binding of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa with fibrinogen and fibronectin.

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