Antiplatelet Comparison Chart: A Quick Guide for Prescribers
This chart is for general informational purposes and notes FDA-approved indications for oral antiplatelet
medications only. The information presented here does not capture all clinical scenarios in which antiplatelet
therapy may be used. For specific questions, please contact your pharmacy team.
Generic Brand Name
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix™)
Prasugrel (Effient™)
Prasugrel (Effient™)
Generic Available
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Indications
NSTEMI ACS (UA/NSTEMI)
ACS: STEMI
Recent MI, stroke, or established PAD
ACS with PCI: UA/NSTEMI For patients with NSTEMI ACS
ACS with PCI: STEMI when managed with either primary or delayed PCI
ACS with history of MI: To reduce the risk of CV death and MI for [at least] the first 12 months following ACS.
To reduce the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS.
Rheumatologic diseases: For relief of the signs and symptoms of RA, juvenile RA, osteoarthritis, spondylarthropathies, and arthritis and pleurisy associated with SLE.
-
Pain relief: Temporary relief of minor aches and pains.
-
Drug image & doses available (colors and shapes may vary)
-
-
Food Effects
Can be taken with or without food
Can be taken with or without food
Can be taken with or without food
Can be taken with or without food
Onset
1-10 minutes
2-6 hours
30 minutes
30 minutes
Duration of action
2-4 days
3-10 days
7-10 days
3-5 days
Renal dose adjustment
None required
None required
None required
None required
Contraindications
Active bleeding, such as peptic ulcer, allergy to aspirin, asthma, CKD
Active bleeding, such
as peptic ulcer CBC and kidney/liver function tests recommended annually
History of TIA or stroke,
body weight <60 kg (132 lbs), active bleeding, such as peptic ulcer
History of intracranial bleeding, active bleeding, such as peptic ulcer
Laboratory Monitoring
None
CBC and kidney/liver function tests recommended annually
CBC and kidney/liver function tests recommended annually
CBC and kidney/liver function tests recommended annually
Recommendations for planned surgery
Aspirin can be continued before or after the procedure.
Stop clopidogrel 5 days before procedure. Restart clopidogrel within 24 hours following procedure.
Stop taking ticagrelor 3-5 days before procedure. Restart ticagrelor within 24 hours following procedure
Stop taking prasugrel 7 days before procedure. Restart prasugrel within 24 hours following procedure.
Antidote
None
None
None
Bentracimab (in development)
Glossary
CAD: Coronary artery disease
CBC: Complete blood count
CKD: Chronic kidney disease
CV: Cardiovascular
MI: Myocardial infarction
NSTEMI: Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
PAD: Peripheral artery disease
PCI: Percutaneous coronary intervention
RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
SLE: Systemic lupus erythematosus
STEMI: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
TIA: Transient ischemic attack
UA: Unstable angina