The Sound of Evolution
Clopidogrel
Mechanism of action:
Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine derivative. Clopidogrel itself is a prodrug and must be metabolized in the liver by CYP450 enzymes, mainly CYP2C19, into its active metabolite. This active metabolite irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, blocking the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to the receptor and suppressing downstream activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor. As a result, platelets cannot cross-link fibrinogen, and platelet aggregation is inhibited.
Reference(s):
1. Ganesan S et al. (2013). Clopidogrel variability: role of plasma protein binding alterations. Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2. Mostafizar M et al. (2017). Characterization of binding sites of clopidogrel and interference of linoleic acid at the binding site on bovine serum albumin. Acta Pol Pharm.
3. Zhang YJ et al. (2017). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses to clopidogrel: evidences and perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health.