Antiplatelet: Platelets are blood cells that are help the blood clot (stick together) and prevent bleeding. When the body has a cut, scratch, bruise or bleed, platelets go into action and begin to work.An antiplatelet drug is a member of a class of pharmaceuticals that decreases platelet aggregation and inhibits thrombus formation. They are effective in the arterial circulation, where anticoagulants have little effect.OR Antiplatelets help prevent dangerous blood clots from forming. They may be used to reduced the risk of clot-induced heart attack or stroke, which is called preventive or prophylactic treatment. How does it work--
Antiplatelets help prevent tiny cells in the blood (platelets) from clumping together and forming blood clots. Antiplatelets, such as Aspirin®, act on platelets in your blood, making it less sticky so that the platelets are less likely to produce clots that block arteries and may cause heart attacks or strokes. Precaution:
v Avoid smoking and limit your use of alcohol. Also, v try to avoid cutting yourself. v Use an electric shaver and soft-bristled toothbrush. v You’ll also want to floss gently and wear gloves while gardening. v If you need surgery (even a simple surgical procedure) or dental extraction, inform your surgeon or dentist that you are . taking an antiplatelet. |
Side Effects:
Because antiplatelets interfere with the clotting action of the blood, they can increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding so they should not be taken by individuals who have an ulcer or history of bleeding problems. This may also show up as abnormal bruising. Antiplatelet medications can irritate the stomach, promote the development of ulcers, and increase water and salt retention. Antiviral: An agent that kills a virus or that suppresses its ability to replicate and, hence, inhibits its capability to multiply and reproduce. Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics for bacteria, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses. Antiviral drugs are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic drugs. They are relatively harmless to the host, and therefore can be used to treat infections. They should be distinguished from viricides, which actively deactivate virus particles outside the body. Most of the antivirals now available are designed to help deal with HIV, herpes viruses (best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, but actually causing a wide range of diseases), the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer, and influenza A and B viruses. Researchers are now working to extend the range of antivirals to other families of pathogens. | Uses of Antivirals: v -Prevent widespread influenza outbreaks in shared living facilities, such as nursing homes and college dormitories v -Protect individuals who are unable to receive flu vaccinations. (If you are pregnant or allergic to eggs, ask your doctor about whether or not you should get a flu shot.) v -Protect you when a flu epidemic is caused by virus strains other than those covered by the vaccine |
|
