Preventive Medications for stroke
Post-stroke recovery and prevention depend upon controlling the associated risk factors. Risk factors are specific for each individual, and hence, medications are to be adjusted likewise. Below are listed some of the commonly used medications used to prevent stroke by controlling relevant risk factors.
- Anti-hypertensive: As the stroke incidence is highly associated with hypertension, medicine to control blood pressure within a normal range is prescribed or advised to be taken regularly. In case of a transient ischemic attack, the doctor may advise antihypertensives even if the blood pressure appears to be within normal range.
- Anticoagulants: These are the blood-thinning medicines that decrease the clotting ability of the blood. In acute cases, heparin may be administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Warfarin is another agent that decreases the clotting ability of the blood by causing the decreased synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Warfarin, however, has a slower onset of action and may have some adverse interactions with other drugs.
- Antiplatelet: Platelets are specialized cells in the blood that have a propensity to stick together and form a clot. They are crucial to stop bleeding in case of injuries. Antiplatelet are given in thrombo-embolic diseases like an ischemic stroke.
- Statins: These are drugs that effectively reduce cholesterol in the body by decreasing its synthesis. In cases of hypercholesterolemia, statins are by far, very effective, and controlling cholesterol can decrease the risk of stroke.
These medicines are both preventive and prophylactic in high-risk patients. The medicines must be taken regularly. In case of any doubts about the side effects of these medications, talk to your doctor, to reach alternative solutions. Switching to a healthy lifestyle and rehabilitation helps the survivor.