Limitations of clopidogrel

Limitations of clopidogrel

Important limitations of clopidogrel, a commonly used antiplatelet agent are:

1. Slow onset of antiplatelet effect
2. Unpredictable maximal level of platelet inhibition
3. Wide variability of pharmacodynamic response due to:

• Genotype polymorphisms of enzymes needed for its intestinal absorption and conversion to active metabolite
• Interactions by drugs that activate or inhibit cytochrome P450

It is because of these limitations [1], drugs like ticagrelor a newer and potent antiplatelet agent has been developed and gained wide acceptance.

Reference

1. Guan W, Lu H, Yang K. Choosing between ticagrelor and clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis (2007-2017). Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Oct;97(43):e12978.