MedlinePlus Drug Information: Clopidogrel

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Clopidogrel

(kloh pid' oh grel)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Try to take clopidogrel at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

Clopidogrel is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in people with mitral valve disease (a condition that affects the valve that separates the left upper and lower chambers of the heart) and people undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking clopidogrel,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clopidogrel or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); fluvastatin (Lescol); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); tolbutamide; and torsemide (Demadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have bleeding ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that are bleeding ), bleeding in the brain, or any other condition that causes severe bleeding. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take clopidogrel.
tell your doctor if you have recently been injured and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; or any condition that may cause bleeding including stomach problems such as ulcers and eye problems.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clopidogrel.
you should know that you may bleed more easily or for a longer time than usual while you are taking clopidogrel. Be careful not to cut or hurt yourself while you are taking clopidogrel.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Clopidogrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

excessive tiredness
headache
dizziness
upset stomach
stomach pain
diarrhea
nosebleed

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
unusual bleeding or bruising
slow or difficult speech
weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
vision loss
shortness of breath
fast heartbeat
pale skin
purple patches or bleeding under the skin
confusion
yellowing of the skin or eyes

Clopidogrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

unusual bruising or bleeding

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clopidogrel.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Plavix®

Last Revised - 03/01/2007
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2008. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.