The nurse is providing medication teaching to a client recently prescribed clopidogrel 75 mg PO Q daily for the prevention of myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse explains that clopidogrel is

Explanation

• Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication and an anticoagulant as it increases risk of bleeding. It is used in the prevention of vascular ischemic events (DVT, MI, stroke) or may be given during an acute myocardial infarction. 

• Unlike aspirin, clopidogrel reduces platelet aggregation by inhibiting the adenosine diphosphate receptors (ADP) pathway of platelets and does not affect prostaglandin metabolism. 

• Clopidogrel is not an ACE inhibitor (which treats hypertension), a diuretic (which treats hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or peripheral edema), or a statin (which treats high cholesterol). 

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