Arterial thrombosis & drugs

Question 1

How does aspirin work?

Answer 1

Inhibits COX

Question 2

What does COX do?

Answer 2

Its necessary to produce thromboxane A2

Question 3

Side effects of aspirin

Answer 3

• bleeding

- GI ulceration, bronchospasm (because it blocks production of prostaglandins)

Question 4

How does clopidogrel work?

Answer 4

ADP receptor antagonist

Question 5

How does prasugrel work?

Answer 5

ADP receptor antagonist

Question 6

How does dipyridamole work?

Answer 6

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor - reduces production of cAMP which is a ‘second messenger’ in platelet activation

Question 7

How does abciximab work?

Answer 7

GP IIb/IIa inhibitors

Question 8

How do platelets attach to each other?

Answer 8

GP IIb, IIIa and fibrinogen

Question 9

Which granules stimulate platelet activation?

Answer 9

• thrombin
• thromboxane A2
• ADP

Question 10

When should you stop anti-platelets if you’re going to undergo an operation?

Answer 10

7 days prior to operation

Question 11

If you’re on anti-platelets and you have a serious bleed, how can you reverse this?

Answer 11

With platelet transfusion

Question 12

This causes organ ischaemia and is an inflammatory disorder instigated by damage to the endothelium

Answer 12

Arterial thrombosis