Za Pharmacy
Drugs, Supplies and Delivery
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Clopidogrel, commonly known by its brand name Plavix, is a widely used antiplatelet medication. While it is not primarily an antihypertensive drug, it plays a critical role in the management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in patients with hypertension who are at risk of thrombotic events. This article synthesizes information from the British National Formulary (BNF), Lippincott Textbook of Pharmacology, and Lange Basic & Clinical Pharmacology to provide a detailed overview of clopidogrel, including its mechanism, uses, dosing, side effects, precautions, and drug interactions.
Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine derivative that irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 subtype of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors on platelets. By blocking these receptors, clopidogrel prevents ADP-mediated activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, which is essential for platelet aggregation. This inhibition reduces the formation of arterial blood clots, making it effective in preventing thrombotic events (Lippincott, Lange).
Clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires hepatic activation via cytochrome P450 enzymes (primarily CYP2C19). Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 can affect its efficacy, leading to the concept of "clopidogrel resistance" in some patients (BNF).
