What It Is Used For
Clopidogrel stops blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. It is used after a heart attack, after a heart stent is placed, after some types of stroke, and in narrowed leg arteries. It is often taken together with aspirin for a period.
How to Take It
Usually 75 mg once a day, with or without food. In hospital the first dose may be higher. Do not stop it on your own, especially if you have a stent: stopping early can cause a dangerous clot. Your heart doctor decides how long to take it.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to clopidogrel, have active bleeding such as a bleeding stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain, or have severe liver disease.
Side Effects
Common: bleeding more easily, bruising, nosebleeds, stomach pain, indigestion and diarrhoea. Get help at once for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, or a severe headache. Very rarely it causes a serious blood disorder with fever, weakness and purple spots on the skin.
Precautions
Tell any doctor or dentist that you take it before surgery or a tooth extraction. Do not stop it before a procedure unless your heart doctor agrees.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use only if a doctor advises it.
Interactions
Omeprazole and esomeprazole can make clopidogrel work less well; pantoprazole is usually preferred if a stomach protector is needed. Aspirin, painkillers like ibuprofen, warfarin and other blood thinners, and some antidepressants raise the risk of bleeding.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.