Role of ticlopidine for prevention of stroke.
BACKGROUND
Ticlopidine, an antiplatelet agent with a unique mechanism of action, is now available for clinical use in the United States and Canada.


RESULTS
Recently two large randomized trials demonstrated that ticlopidine can reduce the risk of subsequent stroke in patients presenting with a transient ischemic attack or stroke. One study found that ticlopidine was more effective than aspirin for stroke prevention; however, it was less well tolerated than aspirin and was associated with severe but reversible neutropenia in almost 1% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Ticlopidine is effective for both primary and secondary stroke prevention. It has a favorable risk/benefit ratio and is a particularly attractive option for patients who are unable to take aspirin.
Albers
G W
GW
Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305.
D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
D004338:Drug Combinations; D013988:Ticlopidine