Plavix, or clopidogrel bisulfate, is a drug used to prevent blood clots in patients suffering from recent heart attack, recent stroke, acute coronary syndrome and peripheral arterial disease. According to Clevelandclinic.org, Plavix belongs to a class of medications known as antiplatelets. Antiplatelets inhibit the clotting of blood by preventing platelets from sticking together. Ticlid, Aggrenox and Pletal are antiplatelets that are similar to Plavix.
Ticlid
According to Drugs.com, Ticlid, or ticlopidine, is an antiplatelet that reduces the number of platelets in the blood. Common side effects of Ticlid include nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting. Patients allergic to Ticlid should avoid taking the drug. Patients with severe anemia and clotting problems should also avoid taking Ticlid.
Aggrenox
Drugs.com states that, Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole and is used to prevent platelets from sticking together. Patients allergic to aspirin or dipyridamole should not use Aggrenox. Patients with bleeding disorders, anemia and previous heart and kidney disease should also avoid Aggrenox. Common side effects of Aggrenox include upset stomach, drowsiness, headache, tinnitus and heartburn.
Pletal
According to Drugs.com, Pletal, or cilostazol, decreases the ability of platelets in the blood to stick together. Patients with previous allergies to Pletal should avoid taking the drug. Patients with heart failure should also avoid Pletal. Common side effects of Pletal include nausea, heartburn, dizziness, diarrhea, bloating and back pain.
Warning
Ticlid, Aggrenox and Pletal interfere with blood clotting and may cause life threatening blood disorders. Signs and symptoms of blood disorders include black tarry stool, coffee ground vomit, easy bruising and bleeding, red or purple spots under the skin, nose bleeding, severe stomach pain, fever, chills and sore throat. Patients taking these antiplatelets are closely monitored by doctors so as to assess for blood disorders.
