Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is a medication used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. It may be given to people who have recently experienced a heart attack, a stroke, or severe chest pain requiring hospitalization. Clopidogrel may also be used to prevent blood clots in people with poor circulation. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once daily. Side effects include flu-like symptoms, major bleeding, and headaches.

 

What Is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel bisulfate is a medication that is used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming in people who have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or severe chest pain requiring hospitalization.
 

Who Makes It?

Clopidogrel is sold under the brand name Plavix® and is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb in conjunction with Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Clopidogrel Used For?

As mentioned, clopidogrel is licensed to prevent blood clots from forming after a heart attack, stroke, or chest pain that requires hospitalization. Also, the medication may be used prevent clots in people with poor circulation, such as those who have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Preventing blood clots from forming and blocking blood vessels helps reduce the risk of having another related heart attack or stroke.
 
(Click What Is Clopidogrel Used For? for more information on these uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Clopidogrel affects platelets (a type of blood cell), which clump together to form clots and stop bleeding in the event of a cut or injury.
 It is part of a class of drugs called antiplatelet medications (or blood thinners). Antiplatelet medications help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming a potentially harmful clot. This helps your blood flow more easily. Clots that form in blood vessels can block the blood flow to important organs, such as the heart or brain, and may lead to heart attacks and strokes. As a result, clopidogrel reduces the risk of having a future event, while also improving blood circulation in people with peripheral vascular disease.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Clopidogrel comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day. You can take this medication with or without food.
 
For clopidogrel to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Dosing Information

The dose of clopidogrel your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
 
(Click Clopidogrel Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Clopidogrel

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with clopidogrel. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, they are usually minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Major bleeding
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Pain, including back pain and abdominal (stomach) pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Bruising
  • Bloody nose
  • Unexplained rash
  • Itchy skin.
     
Because clopidogrel can increase the risk for major or life-threatening bleeding, contact your doctor immediately if you notice that it takes longer for bleeding to stop, you have any unusual bleeding, or have any of the following symptoms:
 
  • Bloody nose
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood in the urine or stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Red or purple spots on the skin
  • Itchy skin or rash.
     
(Click Side Effects of Clopidogrel to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Clopidogrel can potentially interact with a number of different medications (see Drug Interactions With Clopidogrel for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Clopidogrel?

Prior to taking this drug, talk to your healthcare provider if you:
 
  • Have upcoming surgeries or other invasive procedures planned
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies
  • Have kidney problems
  • Have liver problems
  • Have active bleeding anywhere in your body, such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the head (type of stroke)
  • Have a bleeding or blood disorder.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings for Clopidogrel for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much clopidogrel may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Bleeding
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Clopidogrel Be Stored?

Clopidogrel should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your clopidogrel as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is available in one strength: clopidogrel 75 mg oral tablet.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;