Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is a medication used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. Marketed under the brand name Plavix, clopidogrel 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 very poor circulation. The medication comes in tablet form, and standard dosing guidelines call for taking one pill each day. Clopidogrel may cause side effects such as 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 Clopidogrel?

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?

Clopidogrel is licensed to prevent blood clots from forming after having a heart attack, stroke, or chest pain that required hospitalization. Also, clopidogrel may be used prevent clots in people with very 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 Clopidogrel 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 antiplatet medications. Antiplatelet medications help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming a potentially harmful clot. This helps your blood flow more easily.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;