Clopidogrel: mechanisms of action and review of the evidence relating to use during skin surgery procedures.
Patients who have skin surgery may be taking medication that increases the likelihood of bleeding, such as clopidogrel, aspirin, warfarin, heparin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). All of these may increase the risk of perioperative and postoperative bleeding. This article examines the mechanism of action of clopidogrel, current practice, and evidence for or against continuing its use during skin surgery. The mechanisms of action of aspirin, warfarin, heparin and NSAIDS will also be briefly discussed.
Stewart
L C
LC
Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Langtry
J A A
JA
D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D001241:Aspirin