Which of the following is a common side effect of Ticlopidine?

Ticlopidine is an antiplatelet medication primarily used to prevent thrombotic events such as strokes and heart attacks. A notable side effect associated with Ticlopidine is thrombocytopenia, which refers to a reduced platelet count in the blood. This side effect is significant because decreased platelet levels can impair the blood's ability to clot, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia is particularly concerning with Ticlopidine as it can lead to more severe conditions, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but serious disorder. The mechanism behind this involves the drug's impact on bone marrow, where platelet production occurs, potentially leading to significant reductions in circulating platelets.

Understanding this side effect is critical for healthcare professionals when prescribing Ticlopidine, as monitoring blood counts is essential to ensure patient safety and to mitigate any potential complications arising from lowered platelet levels. Other options like hypertension, diarrhea, and headache may occur with various medications but are not as closely associated with Ticlopidine as thrombocytopenia is.