clopidogrel + omeprazole

Clopidogrel + omeprazole is a combination of two pharmaceutical agents commonly co-prescribed in patients at risk for both cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal complications. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent (a thienopyridine) that acts as a prodrug requiring hepatic activation via the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C19. Its active metabolite irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, thereby preventing platelet aggregation and reducing the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke[6]. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells. However, omeprazole also inhibits CYP2C19, which can reduce conversion of clopidogrel to its active form. This pharmacokinetic interaction leads to decreased plasma levels of active clopidogrel metabolite and reduced antiplatelet effect[4][5][8]. The combination may be used when gastrointestinal protection is needed but should generally be avoided due to this clinically significant drug-drug interaction.

Brand names

Plavix + Prilosec

Other names

clopidogrel/omeprazoleclopidogrel and omeprazolePlavix and Prilosec