title: Clopidogrel and risk for acute coronary events.
abstract: Clopidogrel bisulfate is a potent adenosine diphosphate receptor blocker that irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by preventing the activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa pathway. This helps to prevent thrombus formation and resultant ischemic or thrombotic complications. Clopidogrel was proven to be superior to aspirin in the treatment of atherothrombotic diseases. Clopidogrel plus aspirin, known as dual antiplatelet therapy, is highly effective in patients with acute coronary syndromes or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. There is no apparent benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy in primary prevention. In this article, we review the benefits of clopidogrel as an antiplatelet agent and its role in the management of acute coronary syndromes and following percutaneous coronary intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk F25, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Girish R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Mood
authors.forename: Deepak L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Bhatt
mesh_terms: D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D001241:Aspirin