Antiplatelet medications are primarily used for the management and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related events .

-When the body senses injury, it rushes to heal—and one of the first responders in this process is a group of tiny blood cells called platelets. They stick together at the site of damage, forming clots to stop bleeding. But what happens when this clotting system becomes too eager, forming clots inside blood vessels without any injury? That’s where antiplatelet drugs step in. Acting like a brake system for platelets, these medications help prevent dangerous clots that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or other vascular problems. Whether it’s after a stent placement or in patients with atherosclerosis, antiplatelets are essential players in modern cardiovascular medicine—subtly saving lives, one platelet at a time.

.Common side effects

.Gastrointestinal issues: Indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn due to stomach lining irritation.

.Bleeding tendencies: Increased nosebleeds, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts.

.Headaches: Frequently reported with medications like cilostazol

Fatigue.

Serious side effects

.Jaundice

.Neurological symptoms: Slurred speech, weakness/numbness in limbs.

.Allergic reactions: Swelling (face, throat), rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

.Severe bleeding: Blood in vomit (resembling coffee grounds), black/tarry stools, blood in urine, or uncontrolled bleeding.

.All antiplatelet drugs can cause bleeding. Avoid in patients who are at a high risk of bleeding or where the consequences of bleeding would be severe - for example, active peptic ulcer disease, uncontrolled hypertension.

.Hypersensitivity and allergy. NICE guidance suggests that true hypersensitivity to aspirin (characterised by rash, urticaria and angio-oedema) is rare.

.Aspirin can cause bronchospasm and worsen pre-existing asthma. A systematic review estimated the prevalence of aspirin-exacerbated asthma in adults with pre-existing asthma as 21% (from oral provocation testing). From this, it suggests that approximately 80% of asthmatics can take aspirin safely but caution should be exercised. Always check about previous experiences with aspirin and other NSAIDs and warn to stop aspirin if their asthma deteriorates. High-risk features for developing aspirin-induced asthma include severe asthma, nasal polyps, urticaria and rhinitis.

.Hypertension should be controlled (blood pressure <150/90 mm Hg) before commencing treatment.