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Clopidogrel (Plavix) desensitization: A case series
Author(s) -
Camara Miguel G.,
Almeda Francis Q.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.20433
Subject(s) - clopidogrel , medicine , desensitization (medicine) , discontinuation , regimen , drug , platelet aggregation inhibitor , drug allergy , aspirin , anesthesia , cardiology , pharmacology , receptor
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a thiopyridine that inhibits the ADP‐dependent pathway for platelet activation and has been shown in numerous trials to be effective for a wide variety of patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly those who have undergone coronary stent implantation and who present with acute coronary syndromes [1–4]. Allergic rashes are one of the common side effects of clopidogrel, which leads to its discontinuation. Type I (Gell and Combs classification) allergic reactions to drugs may be amenable to drug desensitization, allowing safe and prolonged use of the drug. This case series describes a protocol for clopidogrel desensitization over an 8‐hr period using 15 doubling doses of clopidogrel given by mouth to achieve a maintenance dose of 75 mg a day. This case series suggests that patients who have had type I drug allergy to clopidogrel may be rapidly desensitized using this protocol. Further studies enrolling a larger number of patients are indicated to confirm the safety and efficacy of this regimen. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.