Clopidogrel - Plavix Flashcards

Clopidogrel (Plavix) Overview

• Classifies as a thienopyridine antiplatelet medication.
• Primarily used to prevent blood clots in various cardiovascular conditions.

Mechanism of Action

• Functions by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
• Blocks the activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, crucial for platelet clumping.

Indications

• Effective for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases.
• Recommended for moderate to high-risk non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).
• Serves as a substitute for aspirin in patients who cannot tolerate it.

Contraindications

• Not safe in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding or recent intracranial hemorrhage.
• Individuals with known hypersensitivity to clopidogrel should avoid this medication.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

• Potentially severe adverse effects include:
  • Severe neutropenia (low neutrophil count).
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but serious condition.
  • Risks of gastrointestinal and cerebral hemorrhage.
  • Angioedema, marked by swelling beneath the skin.
  • Flu-like symptoms may also occur.

Drug Interactions

• Use caution in combination with proton pump inhibitors, which may reduce clopidogrel's effectiveness.
• Co-administration with other anticoagulants like warfarin and aspirin necessitates careful monitoring.

Formulation and Dosage

• Supplied in oral tablet form at strengths of 75mg and 300mg.
• Loading dose recommended at 300-600mg by mouth for adults.
• Not advised for pediatric use due to limited safety and efficacy data.

Duration of Action

• Exhibits rapid onset, with peak effect occurring within 1 hour.
• Effects can last for 7-10 days, reflecting its role in inhibiting platelet function over an extended period.