Which medication reduces clumpy plaque?

Prepare for your StudentRDH Pharmacology Exam. Review flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready!

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication that works by inhibiting platelets in the blood from aggregating and forming clots. One of its key roles is in the prevention of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals who have experienced such events or those who are at high risk.

When it comes to reducing "clumpy plaque," clopidogrel helps prevent the formation of thrombi (blood clots) that can occur on atherosclerotic plaques, which are fatty deposits in the blood vessels. By preventing platelets from sticking together, clopidogrel reduces the likelihood of these clumps forming, thereby decreasing the risk of plaque ruptures and related complications.

The other medications listed do not serve this specific purpose. Acetaminophen is primarily used as a pain reliever and does not have effects on blood clotting or plaque formation, while Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that affects the coagulation cascade and is more focused on preventing the formation of clots rather than directly targeting platelet aggregation in the context of clumpy plaque. Thus, clopidogrel's unique function in platelet inhibition makes it the correct answer for reducing clumpy plaque

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