Antithrombotic agents are a class of drugs that help to prevent or treat thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots within blood vessels. These agents can be categorized into antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, and thrombolytics. Each type works through different mechanisms to reduce the risk of blood clot formation, which can lead to serious conditions like stroke, myocardial infarction, and venous thromboembolism.