Clopidogrel: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Clopidogrel is a prescription medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart or blood vessel disease. It belongs to the antiplatelet medicines. Bleeding is the main risk, and it should not be stopped without a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Clopidogrel tablet, Clopidogrel bisulfate, Clopidogrel 75 mg, Plavix, Clopitab
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Clopidogrel work?
Platelets are blood cells that clump together to start a clot. Clopidogrel blocks a receptor on platelets that responds to the chemical ADP, so they clump less easily. Clots are then less likely to form in narrowed arteries.
How to take Clopidogrel
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Clopidogrel 75 mg is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it, which may be weeks, months or longer.
Side effects of Clopidogrel
Most people take clopidogrel without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Bleeding more easily: nosebleeds, bruising, heavier periods
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion or heartburn
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Blood in urine or stools, or black, tar-like stools
- Vomiting blood or coughing up blood. Get medical help immediately
- A sudden severe headache with confusion, speech problems or weakness, or any head injury. Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness with signs of infection
- Swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or severe breathing difficulty (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking clopidogrel, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to clopidogrel or any ingredient of the tablet
- Active bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer or a bleed in the brain
- A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
- A bleeding disorder, or a past bleed in the brain
- Recent surgery or a serious injury
- Liver or kidney problems
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: talk to your doctor; do not stop it on your own
- Surgery or dental work: tell the surgeon or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other blood thinners such as warfarin, rivaroxaban and apixaban: more bleeding
- Low-dose aspirin: sometimes prescribed with it on purpose
- Ibuprofen and high-dose aspirin: more bleeding
- Omeprazole and esomeprazole: they may reduce its effect
- SSRI antidepressants, rifampicin, carbamazepine and others
- St John's wort and ginkgo
If someone takes too much
One or two extra tablets by mistake are unlikely to harm you, but get advice. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient clopidogrel is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain it with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Clopidogrel belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Clopidogrel
These medicines sold in India contain Clopidogrel. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Clopitab 75 · 75 mg tablet
What is Clopidogrel used for?
Medicines that contain Clopidogrel are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Clopidogrel.
Common questions
What is clopidogrel used for?
Clopidogrel is a prescription medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with conditions such as angina or a past heart attack or stroke. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Why should I not stop clopidogrel suddenly?
Stopping can raise the risk of serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke, especially after a stent or heart attack. Always talk to your doctor before stopping or before any surgery or dental work.
Is clopidogrel a blood thinner?
It is often called one, but it is an antiplatelet. It makes platelets less sticky so clots form less easily. It works differently from anticoagulants such as warfarin. Your doctor decides which type is suitable.
Can I take painkillers with clopidogrel?
Paracetamol is generally fine. Ibuprofen and similar painkillers and high-dose aspirin increase the chance of bleeding, so ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is clopidogrel safe in pregnancy?
It is not often recommended in pregnancy but can be used if the doctor thinks it is needed. If you are pregnant or planning a baby, talk to your doctor. Do not stop it unless your doctor says so.
Sources
- Clopidogrel. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot take clopidogrel. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of clopidogrel. NHS (UK)
- Taking clopidogrel with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: B01AC04 clopidogrel. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)