The generic drug clopidogrel prevents blood clots. Healthcare professionals use it in people with heart or blood vessel problems including emergencies such as heart attacks or uncontrolled chest pain. Clopidogrel tablets are taken once daily. Treatment can last for a few weeks or continue indefinitely. Like all blood thinners, clopidogrel’s most common side effect is bleeding. This can be serious or life-threatening, so people should contact the prescriber or other healthcare professional when they experience signs or symptoms of unusual bleeding or bruising.
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Clopidogrel overview
BRAND NAMES:
Plavix
Generic Names:
Clopidogrel bisulfate
Uses:
Helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and other blood clotting problems in people with cardiovascular problems or who have had a recent stroke or heart attack.
Therapeutic Classes:
Anticoagulant, platelet aggregation inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Clopidogrel used for?
Healthcare professionals use clopidogrel to prevent blood clots that can cause heart attack, stroke, and other serious or life-threatening conditions. Doctors use clopidogrel following established guidelines that cover a number of medical conditions and patient situations.
What form(s) does Clopidogrel come in
Tablet
75 mg
300 mg
What are common Clopidogrel doses?
To prevent strokes or heart attacks in people
With acute coronary syndrome: 300 mg tablet initial dose followed by 75 mg tablet once daily
Undergoing a nonsurgical procedure (PCI) to open a blocked coronary artery: 1–2 300 mg tablets initial dose followed by 75 mg tablet once daily
After a recent heart attack or recent stroke: 75 mg tablet once daily
With peripheral artery disease: 75 mg tablet once daily
Common Clopidogrel prescriptions
Clopidogrel Bisulfate
30 tablets punchcardClopidogrel Bisulfate
300mg tabletClopidogrel Bisulfate
75mg tablet
How to take Clopidogrel
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the prescription.
Do not miss a dose, and do not stop taking clopidogrel until talking to the doctor.
Take all other drugs prescribed by your doctor such as aspirin.
Clopidogrel tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Store clopidogrel tablets at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Clopidogrel
Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.
If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its scheduled time.
Do not take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Clopidogrel contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you are:
Allergic to clopidogrel
Experiencing active bleeding such as an ulcer or hemorrhage
Clopidogrel warnings
Tell all doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals treating you that you are taking clopidogrel, particularly before invasive procedures such as dental procedures.
Before taking clopidogrel, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Bleeding problems
Bowel or stomach ulcers
A history of bleeding problems
When taking clopidogrel, tell the prescriber about any future surgical or dental procedures.
This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Immediately inform the prescriber if you have symptoms of bleeding.
This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood clotting condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Immediately contact the prescriber if you experience symptoms such as red spots or purple patches on the skin, pale skin, or fever.
Do not stop taking clopidogrel suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Clopidogrel interactions
Tell the prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:
Aspirin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Other blood thinners including warfarin
Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Opioids including some diarrhea medications
Esomeprazole, omeprazole, repaglinide, rifampin
Make sure other prescribers know you are taking clopidogrel before they prescribe new medications.
Find more information about clopidogrel interactions to avoid here.
Clopidogrel side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Severe stomach pain
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Blood or blood clots in the vomit
Pink, red, or dark brown urine
Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Pain, swelling, headaches, dizziness, weakness
Pinpoint red or purple spots on your skin or in your mouth
Trouble breathing, tiredness, fast heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes
Seizures
Problems with vision, speech, or walking
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Skin rash
Itchiness
Headache
Find more information about Plavix (clopidogrel) side effects here.
Sources:
Clopidogrel, StatPearls
Clopidogrel bisulfate tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medication)
Plavix drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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