Which of the following is an anticoagulant?

Plavix is classified as an anticoagulant because it works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thus preventing blood clots from forming. This action helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals at high risk. Understanding the function of anticoagulants is crucial for medication management, especially in patients with cardiovascular conditions where preventing clot formation is essential.

In contrast, the other options represent different categories of medications. Amoxil is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, Norco is a combination analgesic that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone for pain relief, and Paxil is an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Each of these medications serves a distinct purpose in patient care that does not involve the anticoagulation properties necessary to prevent or treat blood clots.