Clopidogrel

Question 1

What drug class is Clopidogrel?

Answer 1

ADP receptor antagonist

Question 2

What are the common indications for Clopidogrel?

Answer 2

• Prevention of atherothrombotic events in PCI, peripheral arterial disease, STEMI, N-STEMI, Afib and ACS

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Clopidogrel?

Answer 3

Inhibit binding of ADP to P2Y12 receptor - inhibits the activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptors

Binds irreversibly to P2Y12

A prodrug, active hepatic metabolites

Question 4

What are the common adverse reactions of Clopidogrel?

Answer 4

• Bleeding
• GI upset - dyspepsia and diarrhoea
• Thrombocytopenia (rare)

Question 5

What are the common drug-drug interactions of Clopidogrel?

Answer 5

Require CYPs for activation…
* CYP inhibitors - omeprazole (PPI), ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, some SSRIs
(often need to give a PPI with clopidogrel, use another one)
* Other antiplatelet, anticoagulants or NSAIDs - increased bleeding risk