Clopidogrel and Proton-Pump Inhibitors: More Good News

Concurrent use of clopidogrel and PPIs was safe and effective for patients with cardiovascular disease who are at high risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

Recent prospective trials have shown that concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) is not associated with significant adverse cardiovascular outcomes (JW Gastroenterol Oct 16 2009). Despite such findings, warnings that these agents should not be used in combination persist from government authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency).

To further examine outcomes associated with concurrent use of these drugs, investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study of 20,596 patients (age, ≥30) who received clopidogrel after being hospitalized for myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina; of these patients, 7593 (37%) received concurrent PPI therap…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors