Antiplatelets in Australian Pharmacy: The Ultimate Guide for Intern Pharmacists

Everything you need to know before counselling your first patient

Published by Auxe Pharma, Australia’s trusted training hub for international pharmacists

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Why Intern Pharmacists Must Understand Antiplatelets

If you're stepping into your intern pharmacist role in Australia, there’s a good chance your first week will include something like this A middle-aged patient walks in with a new script for Clopidogrel. They've just had a stent placed and are worried about side effects. They ask:

"Do I really need to take this for a whole year?" You can’t afford to fumble this.

Antiplatelets are life-saving medicines, and understanding how they work, how to counsel on them, and how to spot red flags is a must for anyone training in Australian retail pharmacy.

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What Exactly Are Antiplatelets?

Let’s keep it simple.

• Your blood contains platelets – tiny cells that help stop bleeding when you get a cut.

• But when they clump together inside your arteries, they can block blood flow – causing heart attacks, strokes, or even sudden death.

• Antiplatelet medicines prevent this dangerous clumping and reduce the risk of these life-threatening events.

Platelets forming a helpful plug at a skin cut vs. platelets causing a dangerous blockage in an artery.

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The Big 3 Antiplatelet Medicines in Australia

Here's what you're most likely to dispense—and what to know before counselling a patient.

1. Clopidogrel

• Common Dose: 75 mg once daily

• Mechanism: Blocks platelet activation

• Common Brands: Plavix, Iscover, Chemmart Clopidogrel

Key Tip:Avoid grapefruit juice – it reduces effectiveness and increases clotting risk.

2. Ticagrelor (Brilinta)

• Dose: 90 mg twice daily (for 12 months post-heart attack or stent)

• Usually taken with: Aspirin

Watch For:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)

• Increased uric acid – gout risk

• Avoid grapefruit – this time it increases bleeding risk

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3. Low-Dose Aspirin

• Dose: 75–150 mg daily

• Brands: Cartia, Astrix

• Note: Enteric-coated to protect the stomach

Reminder:Take daily, with a full glass of water. Consistency is key.

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Pharmacy Counselling Tips That Build Patient Trust

These are the non-negotiables every intern pharmacist should communicate clearly:

✅ General Instructions

• Take at the same time every day

• Swallow whole – do not chew or crush

• Can be taken with or without food

• Do not stop without doctor’s advice

✅ Side Effects to Watch For

Warn patients about bleeding risks, including:

• Frequent nosebleeds

• Unexplained bruises

• Red or black stools

• Red or purple blotches on the skin

Emergency Signs:

• Swelling of lips, face, throat

• Dizziness or fainting

💡 Alcohol may worsen side effects. Ask patients about drinking habits.

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Don’t Forget the Most Forgotten Tip

“Make sure your doctor or dentist knows you’re on this medicine.”

This advice is critical before:

• Dental surgery

• Tooth extraction

• Even deep cleaning

Patient talking to a dentist with a visual reminder “taking antiplatelets.”

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Quick Recap: Auxe Pharma Pearls

• ✅ Grapefruit affects both Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor — in opposite ways

• ✅ Shortness of breath is a known side effect of Ticagrelor

• ✅ Daily routine builds safety and adherence

• ✅ Always ask about asthma, alcohol use, and planned surgeries

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Final Words from Auxe Pharma

Understanding antiplatelets is more than textbook knowledge — it’s a real-life skill you’ll use almost daily as an intern in Australian community pharmacy.

With the right counselling tips and medication understanding, you’ll build trust, boost safety, and feel confident from day one.

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Ready to Keep Learning?

If this post helped you, here’s what to do next:

• ✅ Subscribe to the Auxe Pharma YouTube Channel

• ✅ Explore our Intern Pharmacist Foundation Program

• ✅ Follow us on Instagram for daily insights and tips