Clopidogrel
 Clopidogrel bisulfate | |
| methyl (+)-(S)-α-(2-chlorophenyl)-6, 7-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate sulfate (1:1) | |
| Molecular Weight | 419.9 |
| Empiric Formula | C16H16Cl NO2SÃÂ÷H2SO4 |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Excretion | Renal |
Clopidogrel, which is often prescribed under the brand name Plavix ® (clopidogrel bisulfate; produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Synthelabo), is a potent oral antiplatelet agent often used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease.
The mechanism of action of clopidogrel is irreversible inhibition of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor of platelet cell membranes. This prevents aggregation of platelets.
Two hours after a single dose of oral Plavix®, platelet inhibition can be demonstrated.
Clopidogrel is pregnancy category B. This means that in animal models, there is no risk of adverse effects in doses equivalent to doses that a pregnant female would ingest. The implication is that the medication is probably safe to administer during human pregnancy. It is currently unknown whether clopidogrel is excreted in human breast milk.
Serious adverse effects that are associated with clopidogrel include:
- Severe neutropenia (Incidence: 5/10,000)
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) (Incidence: 4/1,000,000 patients treated)
- Hemorrhage - The incidence of hemorrhage may be increased by the co-administration of aspirin.
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (Incidence: 2.0%)
- Cerebral Hemorrhage (Incidence: 0.1 to 0.4%)