How do antiplatelet agents compare in acute coronary syndromes?
Clopidogrel-plus-aspirin is more effective than aspirin (NNT=48) in preventing the combined outcome of stroke, heart attack, or death from a cardiovascular cause. However, compared to aspirin alone, clopidogrel-plus-aspirin leads to higher rates of major bleeding (NNH=100). Currently there is insufficient evidence to compare clopidogrel and ticlopidine. Preliminary evidence from one trial suggests that both drugs have a similar effect on reducing the rates of reocclusion in the six months following angioplasty.
