Antiplatelet drugs belong to one of the most important groups of drugs in modern pharmacotherapy. Numerous clinical trials indicate their high effectiveness both in the prevention and treatment of many diseases of the cardiovascular system. Today it is difficult to imagine effective treatment of many diseases without the use of these drugs.

Contents:

  1. Antiplatelet drugs - action
  2. Antiplatelet drugs - acetylsalicylic acid
  3. Antiplatelet drugs - clopidogrel
  4. Antiplatelet drugs - properties of tomato extract

Antiplatelet drugsare most commonly used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. According to the ATC classification (anatomical-therapeutic-chemical classification), antiplatelet drugs are one of the groups of anticoagulants.

Antiplatelet (anticoagulant) drugs - action

Antiplatelet drugsinhibit enzymes involved in platelet aggregation. As a result, they reduce the ability of blood to clot, extend the clotting time, thus reducing the likelihood of dangerous blockages in the blood vessels. Among them, we distinguish acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel. It is also worth mentioning the effect of tomato extract.

Antiplatelet drugs are used in the following diseases:

  • angina and heart attack
  • atrial fibrillation
  • atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries
  • stroke

Antiplatelet drugs - acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid is a derivative of salicylic acid that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-aggregating properties. It is the latter action that is considered to be the antiplatelet action. Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is responsible for the production of thromboxane and prostaglandin E2, which stimulate platelet aggregation.

Use of acetylsalicylic acid:

  • at a dose of 75 mg a day - as a prophylactic measure in the case of cardiovascular diseases,
  • 300 mg daily is given to people after vascular bypass surgery.

Side effects of using acetylsalicylic acid are the most common: indigestion,fullness, nausea, gas, stomach pain. In the event of their occurrence, drugs that reduce gastric acid secretion, e.g. proton pump inhibitors, should be started. Acetylsalicylic acid should not be withdrawn.

Acetylsalicylic acid should not be combined with drugs:

  • anti-inflammatory painkillers such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen. They may increase the risk of stomach bleeding if taken with acetylsalicylic acid;
  • fluoxetine or venlafaxine, because in combination with acetylsalicylic acid they may increase the risk of bleeding;
  • methotrexate - a drug used to treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases;
  • angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and drugs used to treat diabetes, gout and arthritis.

It should also be remembered that acetylsalicylic acid is found in over-the-counter medicines, which we reach for, for example, during a headache. These include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretic drugs. In this case, read the drug leaflets and know the symptoms of an overdose. The symptoms of overdose are, first of all, dizziness and tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, hearing and vision disturbances.

At a later stage, metabolic acidosis may develop, as well as convulsions, coma, collapse or kidney failure that threatens he alth and life. A large dose of acetylsalicylic acid can be fatal.

A certain group of people should not take acetylsalicylic acid at all. It includes people suffering from peptic ulcer disease of the stomach or duodenum. Unfortunately, acetylsalicylic acid reduces the secretion of protective mucus by the gastric walls, thus exacerbating the disease.

Contraindication to taking the drug is also breastfeeding and the patient's age - it is absolutely contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Acetylsalicylic acid may cause them to develop a dangerous Reye's syndrome, in this case it is recommended to administer paracetamol or ibuprofen preparations.

People with asthma should not take acetylsalicylic acid, because it can cause additional attacks of breathlessness, as well as patients with bleeding disorders and taking anticoagulants - acetylsalicylic acid thins the blood.

It should be remembered that the acid enhances the effect of antidiabetic drugs and may cause a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and fainting, so they should not take itpeople with diabetes and patients 10 days before the planned surgery.

Antiplatelet drugs - clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is another antiplatelet drug. It is an organic chemical compound that is used to prevent ischemia and heart attacks in patients suffering from ischemic disease, in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes, and in the prevention of complications, also after angioplasty.

It is used as an alternative to acetylsalicylic acid when the patient cannot use the acid. The combination of clopidogrel with acetylsalicylic acid can also be used to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with unstable ischemic heart disease.

Kropidogrel should not be used in the case of known allergy to the drug, with impaired liver and kidney function, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not a recommended preparation in the case of uncontrolled bleeding in the patient.

You should also be careful about taking other medications along with clopidogrel. Be careful when taking:

  • acetylsalicylic acid;
  • heparin;
  • thrombolytic drugs;
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Kropidogrel - side effects

The use of kropidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid carries a risk of bleeding, e.g. these will be nosebleeds, possible gastrointestinal haemorrhage, an increased frequency of hematomas and bruises on the skin, and abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea may occur.

Patients taking antiplatelet drugs should always inform their doctor about it before the planned procedure.

Antiplatelet drugs - properties of tomato extract

Tomato extract may also have anti-platelet properties. It contains biologically active ingredients, including carotenoids, flavonoids and phytochemicals that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and antihypertensive (i.e. blood pressure lowering) effects. Tomatoes themselves are antiplatelet and anticoagulant.

It can be used by people at high risk, suffering from diabetes or hypertension. However, this preparation is NOT an alternative to antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications.

Polyphenolic compounds with antiplatelet action are included, among others in soybeans, green tea, cocoa, citrus fruits, maritime pine bark extract, ginkgo biloba leaf extract. Hence the important applicationa proper diet in the prevention and support of cardiovascular diseases.

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