[Clopidogrel: background information and use in clinical practice]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Hematology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis leads to acute cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, major causes of mortality.
• Platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation are critical steps following atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
• Antithrombotic therapy is vital for reducing mortality and morbidity in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pharmacological mechanisms of Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine.
• To examine the clinical evidence supporting Clopidogrel's efficacy in monotherapy and combination therapy with aspirin.
• To provide comprehensive documentation on Clopidogrel's role in preventing atherothrombotic events.

Main Methods:

• Review of pharmacological data on Clopidogrel's mechanism of action.
• Analysis of clinical trial data and observational studies on Clopidogrel's effectiveness.
• Evaluation of studies assessing Clopidogrel in monotherapy versus combination therapy with acetylsalicylic acid.

Main Results:

• Clopidogrel irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors.
• Clinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in adverse cardiovascular events with Clopidogrel treatment.
• Combination therapy with acetylsalicylic acid may offer additional benefits in specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• Clopidogrel is a key antiplatelet agent for managing and preventing atherothrombotic events.
• Its specific mechanism targeting ADP receptors provides effective inhibition of platelet activation.
• Evidence supports the use of Clopidogrel, alone or with aspirin, in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.