Randomized double blind comparison of two brands of clopidogrel in inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Objectives: To compare the anti platelet effects of locally manufactured clopidogrel with the anti platelet effect of clopidogrel manufactured by multinational pharmaceutical abroad. Methodology: A total of 118 subjects were enrolled, 18 to 65 years of age, who presented with suspected ischemic heart disease and were randomly assigned to receive either drug A (Pidogrel) or drug B (Plavix) in a double blind manner for 7 days. Platelet aggregation was measured in both the groups at baseline and at final visit. Results: Base line platelet aggregability in both drug groups was not significantly different (p=0.317) Mean reduction in platelet aggregation by drug-A was 8.47+/- 0.45 ohms (p<0.001) and mean reduction in platelet aggregation by drug-B was 8.62+/- 0.46 (p<0.001). The difference in platelet aggregability at day 7(follow up) between the two groups was not statistically significant i.e., was the same. Conclusion: Locally manufactured clopidogrel is equally effective as that manufactured by the multinational company abroad giving us the added advantage of cost effectiveness.