Clopidogrel is a common antiplatelet medicine used to prevent blood clots after a heart attack, stroke, or stent. It works by stopping platelets from sticking together. That lowers the chance of a dangerous clot forming in your arteries.
You’ll often see it called Plavix. Doctors prescribe it when the risk of clot-related events is high—after some heart procedures, or for people with certain types of heart or blood vessel disease.
For most adults the usual ongoing dose is 75 mg once a day. In emergency settings, like during an acute coronary syndrome, doctors sometimes give a loading dose (300–600 mg) to get the effect started faster. How long you stay on it depends on why you were prescribed it: after some stents you may need clopidogrel for 1–12 months or longer when combined with other meds. Follow your cardiologist’s plan.
Take clopidogrel at the same time every day. Food doesn’t matter, but consistency helps you avoid missed doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember the same day—don’t double up the next day unless your doctor tells you to.
The most important risk is bleeding. That can show as easy bruising, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or unusually heavy periods. Serious bleeding is less common but can happen. Other side effects include stomach upset, rash, or a low blood cell count in rare cases.
If you notice black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, fainting, or sudden severe headache, get medical help right away. Also tell any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you’re on clopidogrel before procedures or when starting new drugs.
Some people don’t get the full benefit because their body doesn’t convert clopidogrel into its active form well. That’s linked to a liver enzyme called CYP2C19. Providers may check for this or choose a different antiplatelet (like ticagrelor or prasugrel) if needed.
Drug interactions matter. Avoid taking omeprazole or esomeprazole at the same time unless your doctor says it’s okay—these can reduce clopidogrel’s effect. Watch out for other blood-thinning drugs (like warfarin, NSAIDs, or certain antidepressants); combining increases bleeding risk.
Contact your healthcare provider if you get unusual bleeding, signs of infection (fever, sore throat with bruising), or any new severe symptoms after starting clopidogrel. Also ask before stopping it—sudden stopping after a stent can raise the risk of a heart attack.
Carry a card or note saying you take clopidogrel. Tell your dentist before procedures. Avoid regular use of ibuprofen or naproxen unless your doctor approves. If you plan surgery, ask how many days to stop clopidogrel beforehand—often it’s around 5 days, but follow your surgeon’s advice.
Clopidogrel helps many people avoid serious clots, but it needs careful use. Talk openly with your doctor about risks, other medicines, and any tests (like CYP2C19) that might affect your treatment.
