Clopidogrel (By mouth)
kloe-PID-oh-grel
Helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart problems. This medicine is a platelet inhibitor.
Drug classes
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Clopidogrel is used alone or together with aspirin to lessen the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It is given to patients who have already had a heart attack, severe chest pain, or a stroke, or to patients with other circulation problems that could cause a stroke or heart attack.
A heart attack or stroke may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot. Clopidogrel is a platelet inhibitor. It reduces the chance that a harmful blood clot will form by preventing platelets from clumping together in the blood. Clopidogrel may also increase the chance of serious bleeding in some people.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how clopidogrel works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Warfarin An NSAID medicine, such as celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen Medicine to treat depression Stomach medicine, such as esomeprazole or omeprazoleWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clopidogrel, or have current bleeding problems, such as a bleeding stomach ulcer.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, had a recent stroke, or have a history of bleeding problems.
This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush and floss your teeth gently, do not play rough sports, and be careful with sharp objects. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening.
This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood clotting condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery or a dental procedure.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Nosebleeds
Pinpoint red or purple spots on your skin or in your mouth
Problems with vision, speech, or walking
Red or dark brown urine
Severe stomach pain
Trouble breathing, tiredness, fast heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Vomiting of blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Plavix
There may be other brand names for this medicine.