Thienopyridines
| Overview |
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- The Thienopyridines are a class of platelet inhibitors that act by blocking the binding of ADP to the platelet ADP receptor. As described in Platelet Plugging the release of ADP by an activated platelet binds to ADP receptors on nearby platelets triggering their activation as well. This process helps to create a cascade of platelet activation important for platelet aggregation at sites of injury. By blocking the binding of ADP to its receptor, thienopyridines serve to inhibit this cascade of platelet aggregation. The prototype members of this class of compounds are Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Ticlopidine.
| Therapeutic Uses |
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- Thienopyridines are frequently used in combination with aspirin during an acute myocardial infarction and will be prescribed after coronary artery stenting. They are frequently used after cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to prophylax against a recurrence.
| Adverse Reactions |
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- Ticlopidine has been associated with neutropenia and TTP-HUS
| Member Drugs |
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- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Ticlopidine