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Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
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Clopidogrel (plavix)

J Comin1, D Kallmes

  • 1Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. julescomin@gmail.com

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|December 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent strokes and stent thrombosis. However, its use is limited by bleeding risks, slow onset, genetic variability, and drug interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor widely used for preventing atherothrombotic events.
  • Its clinical efficacy is hampered by several limitations, including bleeding risk and variable patient response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the limitations of clopidogrel therapy.
  • To discuss the implications of these drawbacks for clinical practice and future research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on clopidogrel's efficacy, safety, and pharmacogenetics.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance reports.

Main Results:

  • Clopidogrel use is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.
  • Onset of action is slow and irreversible, with significant inter-individual variability in response due to genetic factors.
  • Drug interactions with proton pump inhibitors and other medications can alter its effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • The limitations of clopidogrel necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring.
  • Development of alternative antiplatelet agents with improved safety and efficacy profiles is warranted.

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