Effects of Statins on Platelet Inhibition by a High Loading Dose of Clopidogrel

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggested that some HMG-CoA reductase blockers might inhibit the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. Therefore, we analyzed how various statins together with a high loading dose of clopidogrel (600 mg) affect platelet aggregation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients with stable angina scheduled for elective coronary stenting were studied. Patients were randomized to receive atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin (each 20 mg), cerivastatin (0.3 mg), or placebo, plus a high loading dose of 600 mg of clopidogrel. ADP-induced platelet aggregation (5 and 20 micromol/L) was determined before and 2 and 4 hours after first clopidogrel administration. All patients were taking aspirin (100 mg/d) regularly. We found that none of the statins significantly influenced inhibition of platelet aggregation by clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of statins with clopidogrel does not significantly inhibit antiplatelet activity, at least when clopidogrel is administered at a high loading dose of 600 mg.