Clopidogrel Flashcards
Clopidogrel Mechanism of action
• Clopidogrel has antiplatelet activity.
• Clopidogrel antagonises (blocks) the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
to platelets and impairs platelet function. Clopidogrel provides significantly
more antiplatelet activity than aspirin.
Clopidogrel Indications
STEMI in conjunction with fibrinolytic therapy.
Clopidogrel Contraindications
Known severe allergy.
Clopidogrel Cautions
Clinically significant bleeding. Clopidogrel will increase bleeding.
At risk of bleeding. If there are any cautions or contraindications present within the fibrinolytic/PCI checklist, personnel must seek clinical advice or discuss with the STEMI coordinator prior to administration.
Pregnancy.
Clopidogrel Use in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Safety has not been demonstrated during pregnancy. The likelihood of STEMI occurring in a woman who is pregnant is so low that personnel must seek
clinical advice or discuss with the STEMI coordinator prior to administration.
• May be administered if the patient is breastfeeding. Advise the patient to stop
breastfeeding and seek further advice from their lead maternity carer or GP.
Clopidogrel Dose
- 300 mg if the patient is aged less than 75 years.
* 75 mg if the patient is aged greater than or equal to 75 years.
Clopidogrel Administration and preparation
PO
75mg tablets
Clopidogrel Common adverse effects
Increased bleeding
Clopidogrel Usual onset of effect
30-60 minutes
Clopidogrel Duration of action
• 3-5 days. This is because platelets exposed to clopidogrel are impaired for
the life of the platelet which is 7-10 days. Approximately 10% of platelets are
replaced each day.
Clopidogrel Pharmacokinetics
Clopidogrel is a prodrug and must be metabolised to the active form in the liver.
• There are no significant effects from liver impairment on acute administration.
Clopidogrel Common interactions
The risk of bleeding will be increased if the patient is taking an anticoagulant.
