Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug. When I was in school it was the “classic” example of a prodrug. The brand name is Plavix. This drug works by irreversibly blocking the P2Y12 component of ADP receptors which prevents GPIIb/IIIa activation causing a reduction in platelet aggregation. Based on indications and diagnosis there may be a loading dose of 300 mg to 600 mg with the general treatment dosing of 75 mg po qd. The active form of this drug relies on the Cytochrome P450 CYP2C10 oxidation to active thiol. Common side effects include bleeding, bruising, rash. There is a black box warning for CYP2C19 metabolism and diminished efficacy in poor CYP2C19 metabolizer. 

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