cilostazol + clopidogrel

This is a **combination drug** comprising cilostazol and clopidogrel, used primarily as dual antiplatelet therapy for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke and other thrombotic events in high-risk patients. **Cilostazol** is a selective, reversible phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) inhibitor, increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in platelets, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation, acting as a vasodilator, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. **Clopidogrel** is a prodrug that irreversibly inhibits the ADP P2Y12 receptor on platelets, thus preventing ADP-mediated platelet activation and aggregation. When used together, these drugs provide complementary mechanisms of platelet inhibition: cilostazol via PDE3 inhibition, and clopidogrel via blockade of the ADP P2Y12 receptor. Clinical studies (notably the CSPS.com and DORIC trials) have demonstrated that the combination is more effective at reducing recurrent ischemic stroke and certain vascular events compared to clopidogrel monotherapy, without significantly increasing the risk of major bleeding[1][4]. The combination is also studied for the treatment of symptomatic lower extremity arterial disease, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and for improving maximal and pain-free walking distances in intermittent claudication[4][6]. Cilostazol is marketed under brand names like Pletal, while clopidogrel is known by brand names like Plavix; there is no unique brand name for the combination.

Other names

cilostazol + clopidogrel