This review summarises the role of combination antiplatelet therapies in the treatment and prevention of atherothrombosis. The following topics and drug combinations are discussed:

• Pathophysiology of atherothrombosis

• Aspirin

• Aspirin dose and bleeding

• Thienopyridines

• Aspirin monotherapy vs. thienopyridine monotherapy

• Thienopyridine plus aspirin: stenting

• Clopidogrel plus aspirin and vs. aspirin monotherapy for acute coronary syndromes, primary and secondary prevention

• clopidogrel plus aspirin vs. clopidogrel monotherapy: TIA and stroke

• Limitations of clopidogrel plus aspirin

• Overcoming clopidogrel non-esponsiveness

o Higher doses
o Prasugrel plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel plus aspirin
o Ticagrelor plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel plus aspirin
o Elinogrel plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel plus aspirin
o Cilostazol plus clopidogrel plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel plus aspirin
o Thrombin receptor blockade plus clopidogrel plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel plus aspirin
o Dipyridamole plus aspirin vs.aspirin vs.dipyridamole
o Dipyridamole plus aspirin vs.clopidogrel
o Aspirin plus clopidogrel vs. oral anticoagulant for AF
o Aspirin plus clopidogrel vs. aspirin for AF