Key facts about Clopidogrel
What dosages is Clopidogrel available in?
Clopidogrel is available as a 75 mg and 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Clopidogrel used for?
Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor and is used to prevent the following:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
How does Clopidogrel work?
Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor, which is a type of antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing platelets from clumping up together and forming blood clots in your heart or brain. This lowers your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
How do I take Clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel is typically taken as 75 mg by mouth once a day.
For people who are in the hospital right after a heart attack, a single 300-mg loading dose is given first.
Is it safe for me to take Clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have an active pathological bleeding, such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage or a hypersensitivity to Clopidogrel or any component of the product.
Clopidogrel Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Clopidogrel:
- Minor bleeding
- Major bleeding
Clopidogrel Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Clopidogrel. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe bleeding: feeling faint, lightheaded, dizziness, vomiting blood, bloody or dark-colored stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (a blood clotting problem): headache, confusion, dizziness, fever, bleeding in your skin, bruising, tiredness, stomach pain, blood in urine, making less urine
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Clopidogrel
The following medications may interact with Clopidogrel:
- CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole): Avoid concomitant use
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Combination use increases risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Warfarin: Combination use increases risk of bleeding
Who makes Clopidogrel?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Clopidogrel safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Clopidogrel should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
