prasugrel or clopidogrel

"Prasugrel or clopidogrel" refers to the clinical use of either of these two thienopyridine-class P2Y12 receptor antagonists as an antiplatelet therapy. Both agents are small molecule prodrugs that require hepatic metabolism (via cytochrome P450 enzymes) to generate active metabolites. These metabolites then form a covalent, irreversible bond with the P2Y12 purinoceptor on the surface of platelets. This action prevents adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from binding to the receptor, thereby inhibiting the activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex and subsequent platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel (Plavix) and prasugrel (Effient) are standard treatments for reducing the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including those managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In the context of the University of Patras study, they represent the conventional thienopyridine loading dose comparator used to assess the impact of P2Y12 inhibition on fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements.

Brand names

EffientPlavix

Other names

prasugrel/clopidogrelthienopyridines