Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Platelets help wounds heal and prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 350,000 per microliter of blood, and a low platelet count can cause patients to bleed more easliy. By contrast, a higher than normal count can place patients at a higher risk for blood clots. Certain drugs interfere with platelet production and functions.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a salicylate that blocks steps required for platelets to stick together to form blood clots, according to Drugs.com. This effect makes aspirin an effective treatment to prevent clots in patients at high risk for blood clots due to various medical conditions. Aspirin should not be used in patients with active bleeding, stomach ulcers, brain hemorrhage and hemophilia. Common effects of aspirin include headache, drowsiness, heartburn and upset stomach.
Heparin
Heparin is a blood-thinning drug used to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots that can obstruct flow to the heart and brain. It should not be used by patients with a low platelet count, hemophilia and uncontrollable bleeding. Heparin is usually injected under the skin. Common effects of Heparin include pain and redness at injection site and bluish-colored skin.
Coumadin
Coumadin, also known as warfarin, is an anticogulant drug that prevents platelets from forming blood clots by blocking the formation of certain clotting factors, according to Drugs.com. It is prescribed to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in blood vessels. Common side effects of Coumadin include upset stomach, gas, bloating and altered sense of taste. It may also cause serious internal bleeding in patients with bleeding problems.
Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by abnormally low amounts of platelets in the blood due to low production or destruction of platelets. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia occurs when medications produce antibodies that destroy platelets; other drugs prevent the bone marrow from producing platelets. Examples of drugs that cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia include Quinine, Sulfonamides, Penicillin and Zantac, according to MedlinePlus.
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