Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study to determine the effects of esomeprazole on inhibition of platelet function by clopidogrel

Background: Pharmacokinetic studies suggest that clopidogrel and esomeprazole are metabolized by similar hepatic enzymes; however, previous studies have not identified a biochemical interaction. Objectives: To determine whether addition of esomeprazole to patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel reduces the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel. Patient/Methods: Patients with a history of an acute coronary syndrome who had previously received clopidogrel were recruited. Subjects were commenced on clopidogrel and randomized to one of two treatment arms (esomeprazole or placebo) for 6 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period for study medications, patients were crossed over onto the alternative treatment arm for a further 6 weeks. Platelet function tests were undertaken at baseline, following the first treatment period, after washout and following the second treatment period. Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Significant attenuation of clopidogrel's antiplatelet effects was seen with co-administration of esomeprazole compared with placebo. Vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), platelet aggregometry (area under the curve (AUC)) and VerifyNow results were 54.7% +/- 2.8 platelet reactivity index (PRI), 66.3 +/- 2.6 AUC units and 213.1 +/- 14.1 platelet reactivity units (PRU) with esomeprazole vs. 47% +/- 2.7 PRI, 59.7 +/- 3.7 AUC units and 181.4 +/- 14.6 PRU with placebo (P < 0.01 esomeprazole vs. placebo for all measures). There was no significant difference in platelet aggregometry (maximal aggregation) between the esomeprazole group (68.9% +/- 2.7 units) and placebo-treated group (64.5% +/- 4.1 units; P > 0.05). Conclusion: Esomeprazole when co-administered with aspirin and clopidogrel results in a significant attenuation of clopidogrel's antiplatelet effects.