Piracetam and platelets--a review of laboratory and clinical data

This paper reviews the effects of piracetam on platelet function and the evidence for its antiplatelet effect which is mediated mainly by inhibition of 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 stroke, transient cerebral ischemic attacks and diabetes mellitus. This, together with clinical improvement, has also been shown in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. The results of recent studies are presented in which piracetam showed similar efficacy to aspirin in the secondary prophylaxis of ischemic stroke.