kloe-PID-oh-grel
Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate effectiveness is dependent on its activation to an active metabolite by CYP2C19. In patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, clopidogrel at recommended doses forms less of that metabolite and has a smaller effect on platelet function. Compared with normal metabolizers, poor CYP2C19 metabolizers with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention treated with clopidogrel at recommended doses exhibit higher cardiovascular event rates. Tests are available to identify a patient's CYP2C19 genotype; these tests can be help determine therapeutic strategy. Consider alternative treatment or treatment strategies in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Plavix
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor
Pharmacologic Class: ADP-Induced Aggregation Inhibitor
Uses For clopidogrel
Clopidogrel is used alone or together with aspirin to lessen the chance of heart attack, stroke, or other serious problems with your heart or blood vessels. It is given to patients who have already had a heart attack or severe chest pain, stroke, or to people with other blood circulation problems that could lead to a stroke or heart attack.
A heart attack or stroke may occur when a blood vessel in the heart or brain is blocked by a blood clot. Clopidogrel reduces the chance that a harmful blood clot will form by preventing certain cells in the blood from clumping together. This effect of clopidogrel may also increase the chance of serious bleeding in some people.
clopidogrel is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using clopidogrel
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For clopidogrel, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to clopidogrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of clopidogrel in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of clopidogrel in the elderly.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | B | Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking clopidogrel, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using clopidogrel with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alclofenac
- Alteplase, Recombinant
- Apazone
- Argatroban
- Benoxaprofen
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Carprofen
- Cilostazol
- Cimetidine
- Citalopram
- Clometacin
- Clonixin
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Drotrecogin Alfa
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Enoxaparin
- Escitalopram
- Esomeprazole
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etravirine
- Felbamate
- Felbinac
- Fenbufen
- Fenoprofen
- Fentiazac
- Floctafenine
- Fluconazole
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Indoprofen
- Isoxicam
- Ketoconazole
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lepirudin
- Lornoxicam
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Milnacipran
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Omeprazole
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paroxetine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Pirazolac
- Piroxicam
- Pirprofen
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C, Human
- Rabeprazole
- Rivaroxaban
- Sertraline
- Sulindac
- Suprofen
- Tenidap
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tolmetin
- Venlafaxine
- Voriconazole
- Warfarin
- Zomepirac
Using clopidogrel with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amiodarone
- Amlodipine
- Diltiazem
- Ginkgo
- Nifedipine
- Nisoldipine
- Phenytoin
- Vitamin A
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of clopidogrel. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bleeding, pathological and active (e.g., from peptic ulcers or head injury)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
- CYP2C19 (a liver enzyme) deficiency—clopidogrel may not work well in patients who have this condition.
- Stroke, recent or
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke", recent—The chance of major bleeding may be increased. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Proper Use of clopidogrel
Take clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor. Clopidogrel will not work properly if you take less of it than directed. Taking more clopidogrel than directed may increase the chance of serious side effects without increasing the helpful effects.
clopidogrel comes with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
You may take clopidogrel with or without food.
If you are also taking omeprazole (Prilosec®), do not use it at the same time that you take clopidogrel. Talk with your doctor about using a different antacid.
If you are using clopidogrel for a condition called acute coronary syndrome, your doctor may tell you to take aspirin while you are using clopidogrel. In this case, do not change the dose or stop taking the aspirin without talking to your doctor first.
Dosing
The dose of clopidogrel will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of clopidogrel. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For prevention of blood clots after unstable angina (chest pain) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack):
- Adults—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) taken as a single dose. Then, 75 mg once a day. Your doctor may also give you aspirin (75 to 325 mg once a day) to be taken together with clopidogrel.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of blood clots after ST-elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI (a type of heart attack):
- Adults—75 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may also give you aspirin (75 to 325 mg once a day) to be taken together with clopidogrel.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of blood clots after a recent heart attack, stroke, or in patients with peripheral artery disease:
- Adults—75 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of blood clots after unstable angina (chest pain) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of clopidogrel, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using clopidogrel
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Your doctor may do a genetic test before prescribing clopidogrel to determine if you have a deficiency in a liver enzyme called CYP2C19. clopidogrel may not work well for you if you have this condition.
Tell all medical doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists you go to that you are taking clopidogrel. Clopidogrel may increase the risk of serious bleeding during a surgery, other medical procedures (e.g., coronary stent procedure), or some kinds of dental work. You may need to stop using clopidogrel at least 5 days before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work. Do not stop taking your medicine without your doctor's permission.
While you are using clopidogrel, if you have any kind of bleeding, it may take longer than usual to stop, especially if you hurt yourself. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
clopidogrel may increase your chance of bleeding or bruising. Check with your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
Do not change your dose or stop taking clopidogrel without checking first with your doctor.
Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: change in mental status, dark or bloody urine, difficulty with speaking, fever, pale color of the skin, pinpoint red spots on the skin, seizures, weakness, yellow eyes or skin. These maybe symptoms of a rare and serious condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
clopidogrel Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Chest pain
- collection of blood under the skin
- deep, dark purple bruise
- itching, pain, redness, or swelling
- pain in general
- red or purple spots on the skin, varying in size from pinpoint to large bruises
- Nosebleed
- painful or difficult urination
- shortness of breath
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools
- blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin
- blood in the urine or stools
- confusion
- fever, chills, or sore throat
- headache (sudden, severe)
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain (severe)
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- weakness (sudden)
- Abdominal or stomach cramps or swelling
- back pain or backaches
- blurred vision
- change in mental status
- cough or hoarseness
- dark urine
- difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- difficulty with speaking
- dizziness
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of discomfort
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- hives
- inflammation of the joints
- itching
- light-colored stools
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches
- pale color of the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- rash
- reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
- seizures
- sweating
- swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
- swollen lymph glands
- swollen or painful glands
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- watery or bloody diarrhea
- wheezing
- yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
- bloating
- change in taste
- constipation
- diarrhea
- difficulty with moving
- headache
- hives or welts
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- muscle pain or stiffness
- noisy breathing
- pain in the joints
- pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- redness, soreness, or itching skin
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- skin blisters
- sores, welting, or blisters
- swelling or inflammation of the mouth
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: clopidogrel side effects (in more detail)
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More clopidogrel resources
- Clopidogrel Side Effects (in more detail)
- Clopidogrel Dosage
- Clopidogrel Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Clopidogrel Drug Interactions
- Clopidogrel Support Group
- 26 Reviews for Clopidogrel - Add your own review/rating
- Clopidogrel Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Clopidogrel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Clopidogrel Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Clopidogrel Bisulfate Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Plavix Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Plavix Consumer Overview
Compare clopidogrel with other medications
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Acute Coronary Syndrome, Prophylaxis
- Heart Attack
- Ischemic Stroke
- Ischemic Stroke, Prophylaxis
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Platelet Aggregation Inhibition
- Transient Ischemic Attack
