What is Clopidogrel 75 mg tablet used for?
In the pharmaceutical industry, Clopidogrel 75 mg is a standard-of-care thienopyridine-class antiplatelet agent. As a pharmacist, I characterize Clopidogrel as a vital “blood thinner” (though technically an anti-aggregant) used to prevent atherothrombotic events in patients with high-risk cardiovascular profiles.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS):Â Used to manage patients with unstable angina or NSTEMI (Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction), often in combination with Aspirin (Dual Antiplatelet Therapy or DAPT).
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Recent Myocardial Infarction (MI):Â Prescribed to prevent a second heart attack in patients who have recently suffered one.
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Recent Ischemic Stroke:Â Used to reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke in patients with a history of ischemic cerebrovascular events.
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Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD):Â Indicated to improve circulation and reduce the risk of vascular complications in patients with established PAD.
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Post-Stent Implantation: Critical for preventing stent thrombosis after the placement of coronary stents.
Mechanism of Action
Clopidogrel is a prodrug that requires hepatic bioactivation by the cytochrome P450 system (primarily CYP2C19).
Irreversible Inhibition: Once activated, it selectively and irreversibly binds to the P2Y12 subtype of ADP receptors on the surface of platelets.
Prevention of Aggregation:Â By blocking these receptors, it prevents the activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor complex, which is necessary for platelets to bind to fibrinogen and to each other.
Life of the Platelet: Because the binding is irreversible, the affected platelets are inhibited for the remainder of their lifespan (approximately 7–10 days).
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Clopidogrel 75 mg is a high-volume essential medicine:
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Polymorphism Control: Clopidogrel Bisulphate exists in different polymorphic forms (Form I and Form II). As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we strictly control the crystallization process to ensure we use the most stable and bioavailable form.
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Moisture Sensitivity: Clopidogrel is highly susceptible to hydrolysis. We utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging almost exclusively to ensure a stable 24-month shelf life, especially for export to Zone IVb climates (Africa, Southeast Asia).
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Bioequivalence:Â Since this is a life-saving medication, we conduct rigorous comparative dissolution and bioequivalence studies against the innovator (Plavix) to ensure therapeutic equivalence.
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Global B2B Supply: Clopidogrel is a staple for hospital tenders and chronic care pharmacies. Our Mumbai hub provides complete CTD/eCTD Dossiers to facilitate registration in international markets.