Summary
Clopidogrel has become part of the mainstay of therapy for acute coronary syndromes
and in patients post stenting. Clopidogrel is a pro drug and is metabolised by liver
enzymes, particularly CYP2C19, into its active form. A considerable proportion of
patients have a poor response to clopidogrel and this may be due to several factors.
Genetic polymorphisms involved in clopidogrel’s absorption, metabolism and activity
at the platelet may interfere with its antiplatelet actions. Further, proton pump
inhibitors (PPI) may interfere with clopidogrel’s actions by functionally reducing
the ability of CYP2C19 to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite. By attenuating
clopidogrel’s actions, both polymorphisms and drug interactions may increase the risk
of thrombotic events during clopidogrel therapy. This review will explore the current
evidence relating to the association between PPIs, genetic polymorphisms and poor
response to clopidogrel. Routine genetic testing cannot be recommended for patients
receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, it may have a role for patients
with an episode of stent thrombosis, prior to planned high-risk stenting or major
bleeding. Regarding concomitant clopidogrel and PPI therapy, it is recommended that
only patients with previous gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or multiple risk factors
for GI bleeding should be prescribed gastroprotection. This is due to the uncertainty
surrounding the clinical significance of this interaction given the discordant biochemical
and clinical data, conflicting results from observational studies and the limitations
of the COGENT study. Pantoprazole seems least likely to interact with clopidogrel
and most suitable for use in patients receiving DAPT.
Keywords
Clopidogrel - proton pump inhibitors - CYP2C19 - genetic polymorphism - clopidogrel
resistance