Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
06:47
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
A randomized crossover study comparing the antiplatelet effect of plavix versus generic clopidogrel
Nalyaka Sambu1, Ashwin Radhakrishnan, Nick Curzen
1Wessex Cardiothoracic Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom. sambunh@hotmail.com
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|December 13, 2012
Summary
Generic clopidogrel hydrochloride and branded Plavix show comparable antiplatelet effects. This study found no significant difference in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet reactivity between the two formulations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Branded Plavix (clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate) is the basis for all published beneficial data.
- Generic clopidogrel hydrochloride is increasingly used in Europe due to cost, but evidence of equivalent pharmacodynamic effect is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the antiplatelet effects of Plavix and generic clopidogrel hydrochloride.
- To assess the pharmacodynamic equivalence of different clopidogrel salt formulations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective crossover study in healthy male volunteers.
- Administration of loading and maintenance doses of both Plavix and generic clopidogrel hydrochloride.
- Measurement of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet reactivity using short thrombelastography.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in ADP-induced platelet reactivity was observed between Plavix and generic clopidogrel hydrochloride.
- Interindividual heterogeneity in clopidogrel response was noted.
Conclusions:
- Plavix and generic clopidogrel hydrochloride demonstrate comparable inhibition of ADP-induced platelet reactivity.
- Findings are relevant with the upcoming patent expiry of Plavix and anticipated widespread use of generics.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:16Crossover Experiments
Crossover experiments, also called the repeated-measurements design, is a study design in which all experimental units are exposed to all treatments in different periods. Crossover experiments are generally used in psychology, the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and medicine.
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
01:15Bioequivalence Experimental Study Designs: Repeated Measures, Cross-Over, Carry-Over, and Latin Square Designs
Bioequivalence experimental study designs play a pivotal role in testing the effectiveness of various treatments. Key among these are the repeated measures, cross-over, carry-over, and Latin square designs. In the repeated measures design, each subject receives all treatments, allowing for temporal comparisons. This type of design is useful in reducing variability but requires careful planning to avoid bias.The cross-over design, an economical method, involves sequential administration of...
01:22Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Generic intravenous (IV) drugs are considered bioequivalent to their branded counterparts due to their 100% bioavailability upon administration. However, variations in stability among different drug products can significantly influence their therapeutic performance, even if they are pharmaceutically equivalent.Cefuroxime, a prophylactic antimicrobial, is often used as a single-dose IV injection for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. A 3 g dose typically provides...
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
01:11Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Bioavailability studies are essential for understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. These studies assess the extent and rate at which the active pharmaceutical agent becomes available at the site of action. The design of bioavailability studies can involve single-dose or multiple-dose regimens, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Single-dose studies are the preferred approach due to their simplicity and reduced drug exposure for...