Clopidogrel Profile
Scientific Name: Clopidogrel bisulfate
Common Brand Names: Plavix, Clopilet, Grepid
System Category: Cardiovascular System
Drug Class: Antiplatelet agent (P2Y12 receptor inhibitor)
Common Uses: Prevention of atherothrombotic events such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral arterial disease
Pharmacokinetics: Prodrug activated by CYP2C19; high protein binding (~94%); half-life ~6 hours
(Grapefruit)
Interaction: ⚠️ Avoid grapefruit juice
Layman Explanation: Grapefruit juice can reduce clopidogrel’s effectiveness, increasing risk of clots.
Scientific Explanation: Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes that activate clopidogrel, leading to decreased antiplatelet effect.
(Alcohol)
Interaction: ⚠️ Increased bleeding risk
Layman Explanation: Alcohol can increase bleeding risk when taking clopidogrel.
Scientific Explanation: Alcohol impairs platelet function and coagulation, potentiating clopidogrel’s bleeding risk.
- 💊 Take clopidogrel exactly as prescribed, usually once daily with or without food.
- ⚠️ Avoid grapefruit juice to maintain drug effectiveness.
- 🩸 Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of hemorrhage immediately.
- 🚫 Avoid excessive alcohol to reduce bleeding risk.
- 🩺 Inform healthcare providers about all medications, including OTC and herbal supplements.
- 🧪 Clopidogrel requires metabolic activation by CYP2C19; genetic variations may affect response.
Mechanism of Action
Layman Explanation:
Clopidogrel helps prevent harmful blood clots by stopping platelets from sticking together inside your blood vessels.
Scientific Explanation:
Clopidogrel is a prodrug metabolized mainly by hepatic CYP2C19 to its active thiol metabolite. This active form irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelet surfaces, preventing ADP-mediated activation and aggregation of platelets. This antiplatelet effect reduces the risk of arterial thrombosis. Clopidogrel has a plasma half-life of about 6 hours and is highly protein bound (~94%).