Antiplatelet medicines for peripheral arterial disease

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
abciximab	ReoPro
aspirin with dipyridamole	Aggrenox
clopidogrel	Plavix
ticlopidine	Ticlid
tirofiban	Aggrastat

How It Works

Antiplatelets work in various ways to prevent blood clots.

Why It Is Used

These medicines may be used instead of aspirin (which is also an antiplatelet medicine) or after a person has had a procedure (such as bypass surgery, atherectomy, or angioplasty) performed on a blood vessel.

How Well It Works

These medicines can prevent the formation of blood clots in people who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).¹ Antiplatelet medicines may help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who have PAD.

Side Effects

Some side effects of these antiplatelet medicines may include:

• Stomach irritation.
• Bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
• Allergic reaction.
• Increased bruising.
• Bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain or other internal organs.
• Lowered numbers of blood cells.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

All antiplatelet medicines increase the risk of bleeding.

The best dosage and length of treatment with these medicines is still under study.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: October 16, 2009
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
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