Clopidogrel is a small-molecule, thienopyridine prodrug that works by inhibiting the P2Y₁₂ ADP receptor on platelets, preventing them from clumping together and forming harmful clots. It’s used for:

• Preventing heart attack and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome, previous myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or peripheral arterial disease.
• Supporting recovery post-angioplasty or stent placement as part of dual antiplatelet therapy.
• Stabilizing conditions like unstable angina and infarctions when administered with fibrinolytic therapy.
• Reducing cardiovascular events in peripheral arterial disease and cerebrovascular disease, per ACC/AHA guidelines.

Clopidogrel is available in tablet form and is often used long-term; its effects begin within hours but last for the lifespan of the affected platelets (approximately 5 days).

Key Benefits

• Lowers the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in high-risk individuals.
• Works well alongside aspirin or alone in patients unable to tolerate aspirin.
• Often more effective than aspirin for long-term prevention of cardiovascular events without increasing major bleeding risk.