Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel

Summary

Clopidogrel, together with a low dose of aspirin, should be used for people with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome who have a moderate to high risk of a major heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death. Whether a person is at moderate to high risk of a major heart attack can be judged from their symptoms and by one or both of the following test results.

• New ECG changes that show that the person’s heart is not receiving enough blood. (An ECG,or heart trace, is a test that shows how the heart is beating. Doctors can tell from the pattern on the ECG if there are problems.)
• Blood tests that show that there has been some damage to the heart tissue.

Treatment with clopidogrel and low-dose aspirin should be continued for up to 12 months after the most recent attack. After this time, doctors should give the normal treatment, which includes a low dose of aspirin.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA80 Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel: Guidance
• TA80 Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel: Quick reference guide
• Clarification of recommendation 1.3

For patients, carers and the public

• TA80 Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel: Information for the public

Background information

• Review Decision - October 2007
• Table of consultee and commentator responses
• Review decision - October 2007
• Assessment Report: Clopidogrel used in combination with aspirin compared to aspirin alone
• Assessment report: Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel
• TA80 Acute coronary syndromes - clopidogrel: Distribution list
• 2004/034 NICE issues guidance on use of clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome
• Review Proposal August 2007
• Appendix A - Matrix of consultees and commentators.

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found