Anti platelet drugs

Question 1

MofA of aspirin?

Answer 1

Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase which is necessary to produce thromboxane A2 (a platelet agonist released from granules on activation)

Question 2

SE aspirin?

Answer 2

-Bleeding
-Blocks production or prostaglandins – GI ulceration, bronchospasm

Question 3

dual antiplatelet therapy- what?

Answer 3

aspirin + e.g. clopidogel or prasugrel

-used during high risk period
-patients won’t be on it for long

Question 4

MofA Clopidogrel, prasugrel ?

Answer 4

ADP receptor antagonist

Question 5

role of dipyridamole?

Answer 5

-Phosphodiesterase inhibitor
-increases cyclic AMP which as an effect to reduce platelet aggregation

Question 6

life span of platelet and clinical relevance?

Answer 6

Anti-platelet drugs tend to affect platelet function for their 7-10 day life span

Stop anti-platelet agents 7 days prior to elective operations

If serious bleeding – can reverse with platelet transfusion

Question 7

MofA of abciximab ?

Answer 7

GP 2a/3a inhibitor

inhibit aggregation – platelets attach to each other via GP2b3a and fibrinogen