Transient ischemic attack clopidogrel

Diener HC, Bogousslavsky J, Brass LM, Cimminiello C, Csiba L, Kaste M, Leys D, Matias-Guiu J, Rupprecht HJ MATCH investigators. Aspirin and clopidogrel compared with clopidogrel alone after recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in high-risk patients (MATCH) randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2004 364(9431) 331-337. 

Activation of platelets is considered an essential process for arterial thrombosis. Thus, treatment with platelet-inhibiting drugs such as aspirin and ticlopidine or clopidogrel is indicated in patients with transient ischemic attacks and strokes or unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. In angina and infarction, these drugs are often used in conjunction with -blockers, calcium channel blockers, and fibrinolytic drugs. 

ADP, thromboxane A2, fibrin, and serotonin. Prostacyclin (PGI2) from endothelial cells and cAMP are naturally occurring compounds that inhibit platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel and ticlopi-dine are antagonists of ADP that are used both in acute coronary syndromes and as alternatives to ASA for prophylaxis post-MI and for transient ischemic attacks (TLAs). 

Clopidogrel and ticlopidine are effective in preventing transient ischemic attacks and ischemic strokes, especially in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin. These drugs prevent thrombosis in patients who have recently received a coronary artery stent. 

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