Mechanisms of action and targets for actual and future antiplatelet drugs.

Platelets are key players in arterial thrombosis and have become important targets in the primary and secondary prevention of atherothrombosis. Antiplatelet drugs are primarily directed against platelets and inhibit platelet activation by a number of different mechanisms. They are used for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic processes, especially in the arterial vascular system. Antiplatelet drugs in clinical use and experimental drugs are discussed.