Which medication is commonly prescribed orally as an antiplatelet?

Which medication is commonly prescribed orally as an antiplatelet?

• A. Pentoxifylline
• B. Abciximab
• C. Clopidogrel
• D. Warfarin

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is identifying a medication that is used orally to prevent platelets from sticking together, i.e., an antiplatelet suitable for long-term outpatient therapy. Clopidogrel fits this role perfectly: it is taken by mouth and works by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, which prevents ADP-induced platelet activation and aggregation. Because it irreversibly inhibits platelets, its effects last for the platelet’s lifespan, making it effective for ongoing cardiovascular prevention. Other options don’t fit as well. Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody used to inhibit glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and is given intravenously in hospital settings, not as a daily oral therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that targets vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, not platelet function, so it’s not an antiplatelet. Pentoxifylline has some vascular and microcirculatory effects and is not a standard oral antiplatelet for routine prevention. So, the best choice is the oral antiplatelet commonly prescribed for long-term use.

The key idea here is identifying a medication that is used orally to prevent platelets from sticking together, i.e., an antiplatelet suitable for long-term outpatient therapy. Clopidogrel fits this role perfectly: it is taken by mouth and works by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, which prevents ADP-induced platelet activation and aggregation. Because it irreversibly inhibits platelets, its effects last for the platelet’s lifespan, making it effective for ongoing cardiovascular prevention.

Other options don’t fit as well. Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody used to inhibit glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and is given intravenously in hospital settings, not as a daily oral therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that targets vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, not platelet function, so it’s not an antiplatelet. Pentoxifylline has some vascular and microcirculatory effects and is not a standard oral antiplatelet for routine prevention.

So, the best choice is the oral antiplatelet commonly prescribed for long-term use.