Inhibits platelet function by blocking adenosine diphosphate, which interferes with platelet aggregation.
Frequently given in patients with coronary stents, and frequently added to aspirin, termed dual antiplatelet therapy.
Ticlopidine and clopidogrel act by blocking one of the three ADP platelet receptors.
Prasugrel compared to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes with scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with reduced rates of ischemic events, including stent thrombosis: but had increased rates of major bleeding, with no difference in overall mortality (Wiviott).
A meta-analysis of patients taking thienopyridines noted the rate of G.I. bleeding to be 1.6%(Serebruany VL et al).
Continuing these agents during polypectomy is estimated the risk of clinically important post polypectomy bleeding at 0.9 to 2.1%.