Antiplatelet therapy has become a mainstay in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Until recently, options were somewhat limited when it came to individualizing drug selection. Plavix® (clopidogrel) has been successfully used for many years but requires activation by CYP enzymes. Depending on an individual patient\u27s genetic makeup, function of these CYP enzymes may be altered, which may increase the risk for clots. The recent approval of Effient® (prasugrel) and Brilinta® (ticagrelor) has provided physicians and pharmacists with more options and may hopefully lead to improved clinical outcomes. Ticagrelor specifically exhibits clinically different pharmacologic characteristics that require twice daily dosing, but also allows for faster onset and offset, as well as more predictable platelet inhibition as compared to dopidogrel. Additional postmarketing surveillance and treatment guidelines will hopefully continue to guide appropriate selection of antiplatelet therapies
