What is a potential serious side effect of antiplatelet therapy?

Gastrointestinal bleeding is indeed a potential serious side effect of antiplatelet therapy. Antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, work by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is crucial for the formation of blood clots. While this is beneficial in preventing thrombotic events like heart attacks and strokes, it also increases the risk of bleeding because the normal clotting mechanism is impaired.

The gastrointestinal tract is particularly vulnerable because these medications can lead to mucosal injury and ulceration, especially in patients who may have pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions or those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concomitantly. This risk of gastrointestinal bleeding underscores the importance of monitoring patients on antiplatelet therapy for any signs of bleeding, such as dark or tarry stools or unexplained abdominal pain.

Other choices do not directly relate to the primary risks associated with antiplatelet agents. Hypertension, for instance, is not a direct side effect of these medications, and while hypoglycemia and skin rash can occur with other drug therapies, they are not commonly associated with antiplatelet agents. Therefore, gastrointestinal bleeding stands out as a significant and well-documented risk linked to antiplatelet therapy.