The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
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Comparative Study
Prasugrel versus clopidogrel: new management strategies for acute coronary syndrome.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a proven treatment option for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Treatment of this patient population with antiplatelet therapy before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is ever-changing. Combining clopidogrel, a thienopyridine, with aspirin has become the gold standard dual antiplatelet therapy. However, new research reveals several limitations with clopidogrel, including potential drug-drug interactions, slow onset of action, irreversibility of platelet inhibition, and a wide array of patient responses. A new thienopyridine, prasugrel, has been approved and supported by the current guidelines for its faster onset of action, lack of significant drug-drug interaction, and consistent patient response. ⋯ Prasugrel has been shown to be an effective alternative to clopidogrel in treating patients with dual antiplatelet therapy for ACS requiring PCI. Awareness of the risks and benefits when deciding to prescribe clopidogrel or prasugrel for patients with ACS during and after PCI will promote patient safety, improve patient outcomes, and support evidence-based practice.