Clopidogrel is used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. These conditions have their own recommended dosages, as shown below. Platelet inhibition can often be demonstrated two hours after a single dose of oral clopidogrel. However, the absorption and distribution of the drug may be too slow for some conditions. Therefore, a loading dose of 300 mg may need to be administered. The table below lists dosage recommendations for various conditions. In all cases, clopidogrel is given orally.
Table 2. Dosage Recommendations for ClopidogrelCondition
| Recommended Dosage
|
Recent myocardial infarction (MI), recent stroke, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
| 75 mg once daily
|
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
| 75 mg once daily
|
Secondary prevention of cardioembolic stroke (patient not a candidate for oral anticoagulation, e.g., warfarin)
| 75 mg once daily
|
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
| 300 mg initially followed by 75 mg daily
|
