Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Pharmacology

PO: 75 mg qday
Mechanism: irreversibly inhibits platelet surface ADP receptor -> IIb/IIIa inhibition (IIb/IIIa normally acts as receptor for fibrinogen, vitronectin, fibronectin, and vWF) -> prevents cross-linking of platelets by fibrin -> inhibits platelet aggregation

Adverse Effects

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage (see Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage)
Bleeding
Neutropenia
TTP
Rash

References

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After Clopidogrel Use. J Invasive Cardiol. 2001;13(7)