Piracetam and platelets - A review of laboratory and clinical data

This paper reviews the effects of piracetam on platelet function and the ev idence for its antiplatelet effect which is mediated mainly by inhibition o f platelet aggregation. Piracetam also possesses antithrombotic activity in vivo. It has been shown to normalize platelet aggregation in patients with increased platelet aggregability in various disorders including acute stro ke, transient cerebral ischemic attacks and diabetes mellitus. This, togeth er with clinical improvement, has also been shown in patients with Raynaud' s phenomenon. The results of recent studies are presented in which piraceta m showed similar efficacy to aspirin in the secondary prophylaxis of ischem ic stroke.