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Clopidogrel

Brand names: Plavix

Clopidogrel keeps platelets from sticking together. It lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially after a stent.

Brand namesPlavix
Type of medicineAntiplatelet (blood thinner)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's an antiplatelet medicine, not the same kind of blood thinner as warfarin or apixaban.

It's often taken with aspirin for a set time after a heart attack or stent.

What it's used for

  • After a heart attack or chest pain from blocked arteries
  • After a heart stent
  • Lowering the risk of another stroke
  • Peripheral artery disease

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, with or without food.
  • Never stop it without asking the heart doctor who placed your stent. Stopping early can cause a clot in the stent and a heart attack.
  • Tell every provider and dentist you take it before any procedure.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Bruising easily
  • Minor bleeding, like nosebleeds
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or a severe headache
Call 911Fever, weakness, pale skin, purple spots, yellow skin, or confusion (rare blood disorder called TTP)
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools, or pink or brown urine

Warnings

  • Some people's bodies don't activate clopidogrel well because of their genes, so it may work less well for them.
  • Bleeding risk is higher with other blood thinners.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Omeprazole and esomeprazole weaken it. Ask about a different acid reducer.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, apixaban, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • Some opioids can lower its absorption.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.