Antiplatelet therapy
Antiplatelet agents are medications that prevent platelets in the blood circulation from clumping and sticking together. This reduces the risk of stroke due to blood clots.
Options for antiplatelet medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, and a combination of low-dose aspirin and modified-release dipryridamole.
Along with anticoagulants, which are used to manage atrial fibrillation, antiplatelet agents are a type of antithrombotic. According to the 2023 National Stroke Audit of Acute Services, 99% of patients with acute ischaemic stroke are given antithrombotics by discharge. However, adherence declines after discharge, with 21% of patients with stroke in Australia not taking any antiplatelet therapy according to primary care data.
For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.
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