Brief Understanding: Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel is a white powder, administered orally in an inactive form which via the small intestine travels into the bloodstream. Clopidogrel passes from bloodstream to liver where processing occurs. Processing is completed by 7 enzymes to produce the active form of Clopidogrel. The active form of Clopidogrel acts like ' a spanner in the works ', where it blocks a platelet receptor. Specifically the P2Y12 platelet receptor. Clopidogrel blocks P2Y12 platelet receptors. By blocked I mean adenosine diphosphate, the molecule that usually binds to P2Y12 platelet receptors, cannot since Clopidogrel is blocking the way. The blocked effect Clopidogrel has on the P2Y12 platelet receptor is irreversible. Fortunately, human bodies are always creating new platelets and removing old platelets. The lifespan of platelets are estimated between 7 to 10 days. Also notably, less than one percent of blood is composed of platelets. Therefore, after discontinued Clopidogrel treatment for 5 days -