ABSTRACT
Antiplatelet therapies are an essential tool in management as well as prevention of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral artery disease. The importance of a chapter on anti-platelets in a book on acute coronary syndromes is not lost upon anyone. Furthermore, when the topic is intravenous antiplatelets the discussion become more intense with arrival of new drug Cangrelor along with revival of older GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. Intravenous antiplatelets have been around from many years, but never in mainstream use due to certain limitations. This chapter focuses on basic understanding of these drugs, how well are they backed up by evidence, indications, practical points about their usage and latest guideline recommendations. It aims to fill our gaps in knowledge of these underrated drugs so that they can be used in appropriate scenarios with conviction, and can contribute little if not much to a better outcome.
