Clopidogrel is what type of medication?

• A. Antiplatelet
• B. Anticoagulant
• C. Thrombolytic
• D. Beta-blocker

Answer: (A)

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent. It works by irreversibly blocking the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, which prevents ADP from activating platelets and triggering the pathway that leads to platelet aggregation. By stopping platelets from clumping together, it reduces arterial thrombus formation, a key goal in preventing heart attacks and strokes in people with atherosclerotic disease or after stent placement. It does not affect the clotting factors in the blood, so it is not an anticoagulant. It also does not dissolve clots—that function is for thrombolytics. And it isn’t used to change heart rate or contractility, as beta-blockers do. Bleeding is the main risk to watch for with this type of medication.