Past Papers · SAQ

Antiplatelet Drugs — Aspirin vs Clopidogrel

Current · V5 (2025) → N4.i Historical · V4 (2023) → Q2.i 2 exam appearances

2017B Q12

Exam question

Compare and contrast aspirin and clopidogrel

CICMWrecks answer

Master answer

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Field ASPIRIN
Haematology · Haematology · Level 2
CLOPIDOGREL
Haematology · Haematology · Level 2
Mechanism of action

Non-specific Irreversible platelet cyclooxygenase inhibitor
(COX-1 and 2) via acetylation of serine residues → ↓formation PG precursors.
- Inhibits formation of thromboxane (TXA) → inhibit aggregation
- At higher doses prostacyclin (PFI2) synthesis also inhibited → vasoconstriction (but endothelium can regenerate COX)

Prodrug. Hepatic activation to active agent (Thiol derivative, by oxidation and hydrolysis) which is an ADP receptor antagonist
- Irreversible inhibition of P2Y12 receptor at platelet surface → Inhibits activation of GPIIb/IIIa → Inhibits platelet activation

Absorption

- PO. BA. 50%.
- 300mg Loading. 100mg maint.

- PO. BA 50%
- 600mg loading. 75mg maint.

Protein binding

85% protein binding, pKa 3

95% protein binding,

Volume of distribution

Vd 10L

Vd unknown

Metabolism

- Converted to salicylic acid in GI mucosa and liver
- Hepatic conjugation (saturable)

- Hepatic CYP450 2C19 + Esterases to Inactive metab

Excretion

- Renal as salicylate

- Renal and faecal elimination

Half-life

- T1/2b 15~20 mins when first order
- Dur: 4-6 hrs. (Effect on platelet aggregation will last life of current cohort of platelets (7-10 days)

- T1/2b 7 hours parent drug (30mins metab) Dur: life of platelet

Adverse Effects Toxicity

Bleeding
Bronchospasm, Renal toxicity
Reye’s Syndrome, GI ulceration
Caution with other anticoagulants

Bleeding
TTP
Agranulocytosis, Neutropenia
Significant drug interactions as requires activation by CYP450

Class Group

Antiplatelet

Antiplatelet

Introduction

COX inhibitor

ADP Receptor Antagonist - Thienopyridine

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 1

Level 3

Main Action

Platelet inhibition

Platelet inhibition

Past papers

Exam appearances

2 appearances
Exam Exact exam wording Candidate success
2017B Q12 Compare and contrast aspirin and clopidogrel 68%
2015B Q20 Compare and contrast the pharmacology of aspirin and clopidogrel 46%