Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What is the brand-name equivalent for clopidogrel?

1. Coumadin

2. Lovenox

3. Plavix

4. Lotrel

The correct answer is: Plavix

Clopidogrel is commonly known by its brand name Plavix. It is an antiplatelet medication that is used to prevent blood clots in various cardiovascular conditions, such as after a heart attack or stroke, and in patients with certain heart or blood vessel disorders. Plavix works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thus reducing the chances of clot formation. The other options listed are different medications with distinct uses: - Coumadin is the brand name for warfarin, an anticoagulant used to reduce the formation of blood clots but works through a different mechanism compared to clopidogrel. - Lovenox is the brand name for enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, also used for anticoagulation but not equivalent to clopidogrel. - Lotrel is a combination medication that contains amlodipine and benazepril, which is primarily used for treating high blood pressure and does not function in the same way as clopidogrel. The correct identification of Plavix as the brand-name equivalent for clopidogrel is crucial for both patient safety and effective medication management, as these medications are prescribed based on their specific therapeutic effects.