[Clopidogrel before and after percutaneous coronary intervention: the PCI-CURE and CREDO studies do not support long-term therapy. Shorter treatment saves millions].
The ideal time to start treatment with clopidogrel prior to a percutaneous coronary intervention, the most efficacious loading-dose and the optimal duration of treatment following the procedure are not known in detail. PCI-CURE and CREDO both support pre-treatment with clopidogrel. Extended treatment beyond the first few months after the procedure is not, however, supported by the data. Accordingly, 300 mg clopidogrel should be given at least 6 hours and ideally 12 hours before the procedure. If the intervention must be undertaken sooner, a doubling of the loading-dose is recommended. After the procedure, clopidogrel 75 mg once daily should be continued for one to three months.
Hjärtcentrum, Norrlands Universitetssjukhus, Umeå. peter.eriksson@medicin.umu.se
Peter
P
Eriksson
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011292:Premedication; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000191:economics; D013997:Time Factors
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine