Monday, January 21, 2008

Could Potent Antacids Affect The Effectiveness of Antiplatelet Agents?

Today's Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that omeprazole (Prilosec®), a potent antacid that works by proton pump inhibition and is commonly presribed to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in patients administered clopidogrel (Plavix®) following coronary interventions, interacts with clopidogrel to reduce its effectiveness as an antiplatelet agent.

The clinical implications of this remain uncertain but clinicians should be aware of this possible interaction following angioplasty or stenting procedures.

-Wes

1 comment:

Kb said...

I remember reading an article about patients on protonix having trouble absorbing calcium. It makes sense to me. But what do I know? I am just patient.