EVALUATION OF ANTI-PLATELETS USED IN STROKE PATIENTS

To analyse the occurrence of adverse effects of antiplatelet drugs used in stroke patients and the drug interactions, adverse effects in prescription databases collected prospectively and to discuss basic methods to detect, evaluate and document adverse drug reactions. A prospective observational study was conducted in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of eight months. A patient data collection form was designed exclusively for the study and complete details regarding patients were collected. A total of 69 patients and their prescriptions from Emergency department were analysed and evaluated for the risk factors of the disease and finally analysed for the presence of varied adverse drug reactions with their current treatment strategies. Antiplatelet agents such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel were found to be 8 (equals to probable adverse drug reaction) according to Naranjo’s Algorithm Scale. And these drugs were found to be associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and vomiting in patients with stroke. Only through effective treatment strategies, patient counseling, dietary and life style instructions and management of stroke results in best patient outcome.