The antiplatelet effects of ticlopidine and clopidogrel

Ticlopidine and clopidogrel achieve antiplatelet effects by inhibiting the binding of adenosine 5'-disphosphate to its platelet receptor. Ticlopidine was first shown to decrease major events compared with placebo or aspirin in patients with stroke or recent transient ischemic attack. Randomized studies in patients undergoing coronary artery stenting have shown that ticlopidine reduces the risk for subacute stent thrombosis compared with warfarin-based regimens. Smaller studies have also shown this drug to have benefit during follow-up in patients with unstable angina, peripheral arterial disease, saphenous vein coronary bypass grafts, and diabetic retinopathy. Clopidogrel was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the reduction of ischemic events in patients with recent myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease (incidence, 5.32% per year compared with 5.83% per year for aspirin; P = 0.043) with no added risk for neutropenia. The combination of clopidogrel and aspirin, as well as the utility of clopidogrel in other patient populations and in stenting, requires further study. Ticlopidine and clopidogrel seem to have beneficial effects compared with aspirin (the current standard) in a broad range of patients. These observations highlight the importance of antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease.