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Plavix, Iscover

Brand- Name Plavix, Iscover Generic Name Clopidogrel Company Bristol-Myers Squibb Disease/Medical Use Thrombotic events First Approval Date Nov-1997

Clopidogrel is an oral antiplatelet agent(thienopyridine class) to reduce blood clots in coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. It is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name Plavix, by Sun Pharmaceuticals under the trade name Clopilet, by Ranbaxy Laboratories under the trade name Ceruvin, and under the name "Clavix" by Intas Pharmaceuticals. It works by irreversibly inhibiting a receptor called P2Y2, an ADP chemoreceptor. Adverse effects include hemorrhage. In India, it is sold as Clavix, Clopigrel, and Clasprin (mixed with aspirin).

Clopidogrel bisulfate is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. It is similar to ticlopidin (Ticlid) in chemical structure and in the way it works. Unlike ticlopidine, clopidogrel bisulfate does not cause serious reductions of white cells in the blood and, therefore, routine blood testing to determine if the white blood cell count is low is not necessary during treatment.

The risk of heart attacks and strokes is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and patients with peripheral vascular disease. (Peripheral vascular disease is the same as atherosclerotic arterial disease or "hardening" of the arteries in which the arteries become narrowed. It frequently occurs in the legs and often causes claudicating or pain in the legs upon walking). Clopidogrel bisulfate is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients. Clopidogrel bisulfate was approved by the FDA in 1997.