Indications:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Recommended for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS, including unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Also effective in lowering the risk of these events in those with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- Recent MI, Stroke, or Peripheral Arterial Disease: Indicated for decreasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction (MI), recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease.
Pharmacology:
Clopidogrel, a prodrug, works by irreversibly binding its active metabolite to P2Y12 ADP receptors on platelets, thus inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation. This effect starts to be noticeable within 2 hours of a single dose and stabilizes after several days of continued use.
Dosage & Administration:
- For Acute Coronary Syndrome: Start with a 300 mg loading dose (4 tablets), followed by a daily dose of 75 mg. Skipping the loading dose will delay the antiplatelet effect.
- For Recent MI, Stroke, or Peripheral Arterial Disease: Administer 75 mg orally once daily, with or without food, without the need for a loading dose.
Interaction:
- Increased Bleeding Risk: When taken with NSAIDs, warfarin, SSRIs, or SNRIs.
- CYP2C19 Inhibitors: Avoid combining with omeprazole or esomeprazole as they may interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
- Repaglinide: Concomitant use with Repaglinide is not recommended due to increased plasma levels of Repaglinide.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to clopidogrel or any component of the product.
- Active pathological bleeding, including peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage.
Side Effects:
- Common: Bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, skin reactions.
- Rare: Acquired hemophilia, anemia, angioedema, bone marrow disorders.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
- Use during pregnancy only if necessary, as no adequate studies are available.
- The excretion of clopidogrel in human breast milk is unknown; consider discontinuing either the drug or nursing.
Precautions & Warnings:
- Genetic variations in CYP2C19 or the use of CYP2C19 inhibitors may impair the drug’s metabolism, reducing its effectiveness.
- As clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation for 7-10 days, there is an increased risk of bleeding, especially in surgical contexts.
- Discontinuing clopidogrel raises the risk of cardiovascular events; stop 5 days before major surgery and resume once hemostasis is achieved.
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) has been reported and requires immediate treatment.
- Be cautious in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clopidogrel or other thienopyridines.
Use in Special Populations:
- Not established for pediatric use.
- No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients.
Overdose Effects:
- Overdose may result in bleeding complications. Platelet transfusion could potentially restore clotting ability.
Therapeutic Class:
Anti-platelet drugs
Storage Conditions:
- Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.