A stroke, commonly known as a brain attack, refers to a neurological problem in which a blood clot forms in the brain's vessels or the blood vessel weakens and emits blood. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, indicates that this can result in such symptoms as a lack of coordination, a lack of balance, muscle weakness and numbness or tingling on one side of the body. Some common drugs used in stroke treatment exist to halt the progression of stroke.
Warfarin
Warfarin, commonly sold as Coumadin, is an anticoagulant medication that treats and prevents blood clots that may form in a vein. MedlinePlus says that warfarin actually lowers the blood's ability to clot. Warfarin's less serious side effects include fatigue, pale skin, gas and a loss of hair. Its serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, a poor appetite, yellowing of the skin, muscle or joint pain and chest pain. Call a physician if warfarin leads to these effects. Taking such medications as naproxen, heparin or ibuprofen may interact with warfarin. Warfarin is a tablet taken daily.
Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel, commonly sold as Plavix, is another anticoagulant medication that prevents more blood clots from forming in blood vessels during a stroke. Drugs.com says that clopidogrel's less concerning side effects include stomach pain, a headache, dizziness, a cough or a stuffy nose. Some of clopidogrel's serious side effects include nosebleeds, black or bloody stools, chest pain, a sudden headache and weakness. Call a doctor when clopidogrel leads to these effects. Suffering from a bleeding or clotting disorder, stomach ulcers or liver or kidney disease may require a decrease in clopidogrel's dose. Clopidogrel is a tablet taken once daily.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Tissue plasminogen activator refers to a clot-busting drug that dissolves the blood clots involved in a stroke. The American Heart Association says that tissue plasminogen activator's serious side effects include bleeding. Sometimes, people can develop an allergic reaction to tissue plasminogen activator. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face, tongue or throat. Go to the emergency room if tissue plasminogen activator leads to these effects. This medication is given as an intravenous injection as a single dose. The dosage amount depends on the patient's weight.
