Which antiplatelet therapy is often prescribed alongside aspirin for patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Clopidogrel is often prescribed alongside aspirin for patients with acute coronary syndrome due to its role in enhancing antiplatelet therapy and preventing thrombotic events. When a patient experiences acute coronary syndrome, there is a need to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events. Aspirin works by irreversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in platelets, thereby decreasing thromboxane A2 production, which is a potent promoter of platelet aggregation.

However, adding clopidogrel, which inhibits the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, provides an additional layer of protection against thrombosis by preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. The use of both medications, termed dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), is particularly beneficial in preventing stent thrombosis, which can occur after percutaneous coronary interventions, and in managing acute coronary events. This combined approach has been shown in clinical studies to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Other options like enoxaparin is an anticoagulant rather than an antiplatelet agent, rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant, and atorvastatin, while useful