Clopidogrel (commonly supplied as clopidogrel bisulfate)
Brand names (as verified)
Plavix; Clopilet (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablets contain 75 mg; other strengths and loading regimens are specialist-directed.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
An antiplatelet medicine used to prevent heart attack and stroke in people with established cardiovascular disease, acute coronary syndrome, or after coronary stent placement.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in people with active pathological bleeding (such as peptic ulcer or intracranial haemorrhage) or known hypersensitivity to clopidogrel. Use with caution in people with severe liver disease.
Important precautions
Discontinuing clopidogrel can increase the risk of heart attack or stent thrombosis ‚ do not stop without medical advice. Tell all healthcare providers (including surgeons and dentists) that you take it before any procedure. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Common side effects
Common effects include bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, and stomach discomfort.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek emergency care for signs of unusual or severe bleeding (coughing blood, blood in urine or stools), stroke symptoms, or TTP (a rare condition causing fever, confusion, and low platelet count).
Important interactions
PPIs (especially omeprazole) may reduce clopidogrel's effectiveness. Important interactions also include warfarin, NSAIDs, aspirin, heparin, SSRIs, and CYP2C19 inhibitors. Tell your doctor about all medicines.
Allergy considerations
Avoid if you have had a serious allergic reaction to clopidogrel or ticlopidine. Some people are poor metabolisers (CYP2C19) ‚ genetic testing may be relevant.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Avoid during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Use near delivery carries a risk of maternal and neonatal bleeding. Discuss with your specialist.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Not recommended during breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Children and older adults
Not routinely used in children. Older adults may be at greater bleeding risk and may benefit from a proton pump inhibitor alongside clopidogrel.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due soon, skip it. Never take two doses at once. For people with stents, contact your doctor before skipping more than one dose.
Overdose
Overdose may cause prolonged bleeding. Call a poison helpline or emergency service immediately. No specific antidote is available.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Clopidogrel (commonly supplied as clopidogrel bisulfate)
Brand names (as verified)
Plavix; Clopilet (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablets contain 75 mg; other strengths and loading regimens are specialist-directed.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
An antiplatelet medicine used to prevent heart attack and stroke in people with established cardiovascular disease, acute coronary syndrome, or after coronary stent placement.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Avoid in people with active pathological bleeding (such as peptic ulcer or intracranial haemorrhage) or known hypersensitivity to clopidogrel. Use with caution in people with severe liver disease.
Important precautions
Discontinuing clopidogrel can increase the risk of heart attack or stent thrombosis ‚ do not stop without medical advice. Tell all healthcare providers (including surgeons and dentists) that you take it before any procedure. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Common side effects
Common effects include bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, and stomach discomfort.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek emergency care for signs of unusual or severe bleeding (coughing blood, blood in urine or stools), stroke symptoms, or TTP (a rare condition causing fever, confusion, and low platelet count).
Important interactions
PPIs (especially omeprazole) may reduce clopidogrel's effectiveness. Important interactions also include warfarin, NSAIDs, aspirin, heparin, SSRIs, and CYP2C19 inhibitors. Tell your doctor about all medicines.
Allergy considerations
Avoid if you have had a serious allergic reaction to clopidogrel or ticlopidine. Some people are poor metabolisers (CYP2C19) ‚ genetic testing may be relevant.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Avoid during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Use near delivery carries a risk of maternal and neonatal bleeding. Discuss with your specialist.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Not recommended during breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Children and older adults
Not routinely used in children. Older adults may be at greater bleeding risk and may benefit from a proton pump inhibitor alongside clopidogrel.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due soon, skip it. Never take two doses at once. For people with stents, contact your doctor before skipping more than one dose.
Overdose
Overdose may cause prolonged bleeding. Call a poison helpline or emergency service immediately. No specific antidote is available.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
