Final answer:
Clopidogrel is a medication used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has a half-life of 18-36 hours and can decrease von Willebrand factor in some patients. It should be stopped 48 hours prior to neuraxial blockade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clopidogrel is a medication used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with cardiovascular diseases. It is commonly prescribed in combination with aspirin for dual anti-platelet therapy. The half-life of clopidogrel is approximately 18-36 hours, meaning it takes that amount of time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. While clopidogrel can decrease von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels in a small percentage of patients, it is not a common side effect. Lastly, it is generally recommended to stop taking clopidogrel 48 hours before undergoing neuraxial blockade to minimize the risk of bleeding complications.