Antiplatelet drugs
Antiplatelet drugs
Antiplatelet drugs (pronunciation: an-tee-plate-let druhgz) are a group of medicines that prevent blood cells called platelets from sticking together and forming a clot. They are used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, especially in people who have already had one of these conditions or who have other risk factors.
Etymology
The term "antiplatelet" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "platelet" which refers to a type of blood cell. The term "drug" comes from the Old French "drogue", possibly derived from the Dutch word "droog" (meaning "dry"), as herbs were commonly dried for medicinal purposes.
Mechanism of Action
Antiplatelet drugs work by inhibiting the function of platelets. Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick together to form a clot and prevent bleeding. However, in certain conditions, clots can form in the blood vessels and block the flow of blood, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Antiplatelet drugs prevent this by making the platelets less sticky and less likely to form clots.
Types of Antiplatelet Drugs
There are several types of antiplatelet drugs, including:
- Aspirin: This is the most commonly used antiplatelet drug. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the production of substances that cause platelets to stick together.
- Clopidogrel: This drug works by blocking a receptor on the platelets that is involved in clot formation.
- Ticagrelor: This is a newer type of antiplatelet drug that works in a similar way to clopidogrel but is more potent.
- Dipyridamole: This drug works by increasing the levels of a substance called cyclic AMP, which inhibits platelet aggregation.
Related Terms
- Platelets: Small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting.
- Blood clot: A clump of blood cells and fibrin that forms to stop bleeding.
- Heart attack: A condition that occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
- Stroke: A condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, usually by a blood clot or a burst blood vessel.
- Cyclooxygenase: An enzyme that is involved in the production of substances that cause platelets to stick together.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiplatelet drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Antiplatelet drugs
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