This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Clopidogrel Consumer Information
CLOPIDOGREL
Generic Name: clopidogrel (kloe pih daw grel)
Brand Names: Plavix
What is the most important information I should know about clopidogrel?
- It may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedures.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) without first talking to your doctor.
What is clopidogrel?
- Clopidogrel prevents platelets (substances in the blood) from clustering. This helps to prevent blood from forming blood clots.
- Clopidogrel is used in the prevention and treatment of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and acute coronary syndrome.
- Clopidogrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clopidogrel?
- Do not take clopidogrel if you have active bleeding anywhere in the body such as the stomach (ulcer) or in the head (type of stroke).
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have a bleeding or blood disorder,
- have a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
- have liver disease; or
- need to have surgery (including dental surgery).
- You may not be able to take clopidogrel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Clopidogrel is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk. Clopidogrel is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take clopidogrel?
- Take clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Clopidogrel can be taken with or without food.
- Store clopidogrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a clopidogrel overdose are unknown but might include vomiting, difficulty breathing, blood in the vomit or stool, and exhaustion.
What should I avoid while taking clopidogrel?
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedures.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) without first talking to your doctor.
- It may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.