10. Antithrombotic therapy: role of platelet-inhibitor drugs. II. Pharmacologic effects of platelet-inhibitor drugs (second of three parts).

In this three-part series, the first part described the role of platelets in thrombogenesis, this second part considers the pharmacologic effects of platelet-inhibitor drugs, and the third part will discuss their clinical application. This second article comprises (1) the physiologic contribution of the vessel wall to the prevention of thrombosis, particularly the role of prostacyclin, (2) the mechanisms of action of platelet-inhibitor drugs in the prevention of thrombosis, (3) the ideal dose and ideal therapeutic combinations of conventional platelet-inhibitor drugs, (4) other agents and new agents that inhibit platelet function, and (5) drug side effects.