Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs are primarily used to prevent and manage thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots form to obstruct blood vessels.

These drugs inhibit platelet aggregation and clot formation, reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic stroke.

There are three main types of antiplatelet drugs: prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, P2Y12 inhibitors, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as aspirin irreversibly acetylate COX I enzyme, inhibiting its activity in synthesizing thromboxane A2, a potent platelet activator.

P2Y12 inhibitors, such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel, block the ADP-binding P2Y12 receptor on the platelet surface, inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors such as abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban block the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor and prevent platelet aggregation.

Common side effects of antiplatelet drugs include bleeding, nausea, and vomiting.