Clopidogrel in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation are central to the pathophysiology of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Clopidogrel, an oral thienopyridine derivative, is a platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor antagonist capable of inhibiting platelet activation. The benefits of clopidogrel in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation ACS are well established. This article will review the results of recent clinical trials in which the utility of clopidogrel in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction was evaluated.