Y44.4: Antithrombotic drugs [platelet-aggregation inhibitors]

Antithrombotic drugs, also known as platelet-aggregation inhibitors, are a type of medication often prescribed to patients who have a higher risk of developing blood clots. These medications work by preventing platelets, small blood cells that help in blood clot formation, from sticking together and forming a clot. Patients taking these medications might have conditions that cause blood clots such as heart disease, stroke, or venous thromboembolism. While these medications are beneficial, a potential adverse effect can be excessive bleeding due to the slowed down clotting process. Symptoms of this may include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, blood in urine or stool, or unusual headaches. Severe cases can lead to hemorrhage, which can be life threatening. It's important to monitor for any signs of bleeding while taking antithrombotic drugs and report such observations to the healthcare provider promptly.