Figure 1.

Metabolism of clopidogrel. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel (a prodrug) involves intestinal absorption via P-glycoprotein. This is followed by processing of clopidogrel in the liver primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes, with release of the active metabolite that inhibits the adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor. This leads to decrease in activation of platelets and formation of thrombus. Used with permission of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología; copyright 2011 [22].