[Clopidogrel before and after percutaneous coronary intervention: the PCI-CURE and CREDO studies do not support long-term therapy. Shorter treatment saves millions].

The ideal time to start treatment with clopidogrel prior to a percutaneous coronary intervention, the most efficacious loading-dose and the optimal duration of treatment following the procedure are not known in detail. PCI-CURE and CREDO both support pre-treatment with clopidogrel. Extended treatment beyond the first few months after the procedure is not, however, supported by the data. Accordingly, 300 mg clopidogrel should be given at least 6 hours and ideally 12 hours before the procedure. If the intervention must be undertaken sooner, a doubling of the loading-dose is recommended. After the procedure, clopidogrel 75 mg once daily should be continued for one to three months.