Antiplatelet Therapy: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know

When your blood clots too easily, it can block arteries and trigger a heart attack or stroke. That’s where antiplatelet therapy, a treatment that stops blood platelets from sticking together to form dangerous clots. Also known as blood thinners, it’s not the same as anticoagulants like warfarin—it targets platelets, not clotting factors. This therapy is used daily by millions of people who’ve had a heart attack, stent placed, or suffer from coronary artery disease. It’s not optional for them—it’s life-saving.

Aspirin is the most common antiplatelet drug. But it’s not for everyone anymore. In 2025, guidelines say most healthy adults should skip daily aspirin because the risk of bleeding outweighs the benefit. Still, if you’ve had a heart procedure, stroke, or have peripheral artery disease, your doctor may still recommend it. Other drugs like clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel are used when aspirin isn’t enough—or when you can’t tolerate it. These are often combined in what’s called dual antiplatelet therapy, especially after a stent. But mixing them with NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or even herbal supplements like garlic or ginkgo can increase bleeding risk. That’s why knowing your full medication list matters.

Antiplatelet therapy doesn’t work in a vacuum. It’s tied to how your body processes drugs, what else you’re taking, and even your diet. For example, if you’re on clopidogrel and take omeprazole for heartburn, the drug interaction can make clopidogrel less effective. Or if you’re on ticagrelor and accidentally take clarithromycin, you could face serious side effects. That’s why medication reviews and understanding drug interactions aren’t just helpful—they’re critical. You can’t just take your pills and hope for the best. You need to know what’s in your system and why.

People on antiplatelet therapy often wonder what happens if they miss a dose. Or if they need to stop before surgery. Or why their doctor won’t let them take ibuprofen for a headache. These aren’t small questions—they’re safety questions. And the answers aren’t always the same for everyone. That’s why this collection of posts covers everything from how aspirin therapy has changed in recent years, to how to handle missed doses safely, to the dangerous interactions between common painkillers and antiplatelet drugs. You’ll find real advice on what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor next time you’re in the office.