Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Mild-Moderate Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Acute ischemic stroke that can be randomized within 48 hours of symptoms onset * neurological deficit: 4 ≤ NIHSS ≤ 10 * CT or MRI scan ruling out hemorrhage or other pathology * the first onset of ischemic stroke or previous stroke with no obvious sequelae (mRS≤1) * Signed informed consent by patient self or legally authorized representatives Exclusion Criteria: * intracranial hemorrhage and hemorrhagic cerebral infarction * Thrombolysis for ischemic stroke * Allergy to clopidogrel and/or aspirin * History of stroke with serious sequelae * Severe systemic disease (such as severe infection, severe hepatic and renal dysfunction) * Clear indication for anticoagulation (atrial fibrillation, mechanical cardiac valves, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) * History of intracranial hemorrhage * Planned treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to affect platelet function * Anticoagulation within 10 days * Gastrointestinal bleed or major surgery within 3 months * Planned or likely revascularization (any angioplasty or vascular surgery) within the next 3 months * Planned surgery or intervention to stop antiplatelet therapy * Ischemic stroke induced by angiography or surgery * Pregnancy or childbirth within the previous 4 weeks * Patients who have been treated with any other investigational drug within 3 months of enrollment * Severe noncardiovascular comorbidity with life expectancy \<3 months