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Clopidogrel use in children

Yaron Finkelstein1, Laila Nurmohamed, Marina Avner

  • 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario. yfinkel@yahoo.com

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Clopidogrel is a safe antiplatelet agent for pediatric patients with heart conditions. A suggested starting dose of 1 mg/kg/day is recommended for children, with minimal adverse effects observed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Antiplatelet agents are crucial in managing pediatric cardiovascular diseases.
  • Clopidogrel's efficacy and safety in pediatric populations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical experience with clopidogrel in infants and children.
  • To propose an appropriate dosage regimen for pediatric use.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients treated with clopidogrel.
  • Analysis of dosages, treatment duration, complications, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen pediatric patients received clopidogrel (median age 3.5 years).
  • Dosages ranged from 1-6 mg/kg/day for 1-6 months.
  • One gastrointestinal bleeding event occurred during triple antithrombotic therapy; no other common adult adverse effects were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Clopidogrel demonstrated good tolerability in the pediatric cohort.
  • A starting dose of 1 mg/kg/day is suggested for pediatric patients.
Abstract

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