Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
A randomized crossover comparative study of aspirin, cilostazol and clopidogrel in normal controls: analysis with
Joong-Seok Kim1, Kwang-Soo Lee, Yeong-In Kim
1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea.
Insights
Cilostazol effectively inhibits platelet aggregation, similar to aspirin and clopidogrel, but without prolonging bleeding time. This study highlights cilostazol
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Antiplatelet drugs are crucial in preventing thrombotic events.
- Aspirin and clopidogrel are widely used but can increase bleeding risk.
- Understanding the bleeding profiles of different antiplatelet agents is essential for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of aspirin, clopidogrel, and cilostazol on platelet aggregation and bleeding time.
- To evaluate cilostazol's efficacy and safety profile relative to aspirin and clopidogrel.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative bleeding time (QBT) test and platelet aggregation tests were conducted.
- 12 healthy adult males participated, undergoing tests before and after a 7-day medication period.
- The study assessed three antiplatelet drugs: aspirin, clopidogrel, and cilostazol.
Main Results:
- Cilostazol demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting platelet aggregation, comparable to aspirin and clopidogrel.
- Aspirin and clopidogrel significantly prolonged bleeding time after 7 days of administration.
- Cilostazol treatment did not alter any measured QBT parameters, indicating no significant effect on bleeding time.
Conclusions:
- Cilostazol exhibits potent antiplatelet aggregation efficacy.
- Unlike aspirin and clopidogrel, cilostazol does not prolong bleeding time.
- Cilostazol offers a potentially safer alternative for antiplatelet therapy by maintaining normal bleeding patterns.
Abstract:
The effects of three antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, clopidogrel and cilostazol, were examined and compared using a quantitative bleeding time (QBT) test apparatus. In 12 healthy adult male subjects, a QBT test and platelet aggregation test were performed before and after medication. Cilostazol was found to be as effective as aspirin and clopidogrel in inhibiting platelet aggregation. Following the oral administration of aspirin and clopidogrel for 7 days, the bleeding time was significantly prolonged. In contrast, none of these QBT parameters were altered by the cilostazol treatment. This suggests that cilostazol has potent efficacy in inhibiting platelet aggregation without prolonging the bleeding time and changing the bleeding pattern.
