Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease Drugs: Antiplatelets
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Salicylates: aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, Acuprin, Alka-Seltzer, Ascriptin A/D, Bayer, Bufferin, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Zorprin, aspirin gum (Aspergum)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
These medications work by preventing platelets from sticking together to form blood clots. These drugs are often used in people with a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Reduction in heart attack and stroke and blood clots that can cause these cardiovascular conditions.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Diarrhea
- Itchy rash
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
The most common side effects of aspirin involve the digestive system (ulcerations, abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity) and ringing in the ears. Rash, kidney impairment, vertigo, and light-headedness can also occur. Aspirin should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or kidney disease. Aspirin can increase blood uric acid levels and should be avoided in patients with hyperuricemia (high blood uric acid levels) and gout. Talk with your doctor about discontinuing aspirin therapy before surgery due to its bloodthinning properties.
MAJOR CAUTIONS
Clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid) rarely cause a condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This is a serious condition in which blood clots form throughout the body.
Aspirin may cause gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also cause kidney and liver toxicity.
Ticlopidine (Ticlid) may lower white blood cell count.
KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS
Clopidogrel (Plavix) or ticlopidine (Ticlid) should not be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as this may cause bleeding of the digestive tract. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin,Advil,Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), oxaprozin, piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and mefenamic acid (Ponstel). It should also not be combined with warfarin (Coumadin).
Salicylates such as aspirin should be avoided in patients taking bloodthinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding. Asthma patients can have worsening of breathing while taking aspirin. It can also increase the effect of diabetic medications, resulting in abnormally low blood sugar levels.
FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS
The use of ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, fish oil, or coleus forskoli may increase the risk of bleeding while on aspirin therapy. Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can erode the stomach lining, and should be avoided while using aspirin.
NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE
The following can become deficient from aspirin use:
- Folic acid
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Tags: aspirin, bleeding, blood, clopidogrel, clots, digestive, disease, drugs, kidney, medications, patients, plavix, ticlid, ticlopidine, Vitamins