Which combination represents common antiplatelet therapy?

• A. Heparin, Warfarin
• B. Aspirin, Clopidogrel
• C. Alteplase, Streptokinase
• D. Montelukast, Cromolyn

Answer: (B)

Antiplatelet therapy aims to prevent arterial thrombosis by stopping platelets from sticking together. Aspirin blocks an enzyme that makes thromboxane A2, reducing how readily platelets activate and aggregate. Clopidogrel prevents platelets from being activated by ADP by blocking the P2Y12 receptor, further reducing aggregation. Using them together is a common dual antiplatelet approach, especially after acute coronary syndromes or stent placement, to lower the risk of heart attack or stent thrombosis. The other options involve different drug classes: anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin affect the coagulation cascade rather than platelet function; thrombolytics such as alteplase and streptokinase dissolve clots but don’t prevent platelet aggregation; Montelukast and cromolyn are unrelated to platelet therapy and are used for allergy/asthma. So, aspirin combined with clopidogrel best represents common antiplatelet therapy.