Importance of pharmacogenetics for therapeutic use of clopidogrel

• Main Authors: Rančić Nemanja, Kovačević Aleksandra, Simić-Dragojević Viktorija
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medicinsko društvo za racionalnu terapiju Republike Srbije 2013-01-01
• Series: Racionalna Terapija
• Subjects: clopidogrel; resistance; platelets; drug-drug interactions
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/1821-0538/2013/1821-05381302075R.pdf

Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases are the worldwide leading causes of mortality. Therefore, therapy of these diseases is of great importance. Antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel alone and in combination with aspirin has a prominent place. The major problem in clopidogrel therapy is patients' poor response to standard protocols of treatment, followed by increased rate of repeated cardiovascular events. Main cause of the poor response to antiplatelet clopidogrel therapy is pharmacogenomic modification of cytochrome P450 as well as P-glycoprotein, responsible for absorption and bioavailability. Genetic testing is recommended for patients who respond poorly to standard antiplatelet therapy.