Clopidrogel is the active ingredient of Plavix.

General Information

Clopidrogel is an antiplatelet medicine - it prevents blood clot formation in arteries by reducing the stickiness of platelets in blood. It is prescribed in those at risk of stroke and heart attack.

Although clopidrogel is a suitable alternative in those who can't tolerate aspirin, it may still cause similar side effects, including stomach upset and/or stomach ulcers.

Clopidrogel should not be prescribed to those taking warfarin as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

How does clopidrogel work?

Clopidrogel prevents stroke (when a blood clot prevents blood flow to parts of the brain) or heart attack (when a blood clot prevents blood flow to parts of the heart) by discouraging blood clot formation.

Fast facts

Drug schedule: Schedule 3

Available as: Tablets

What does it do? Clopidrogel prevents blood clotting

Overdose risk: Medium

Dependence risk: Low

Available as a generic? No

Available on prescription only? Yes

User information

Onset of effect: Within 2 hours.

Duration of action: Up to 24 hours.

Dietary advice: Clopidrogel can be taken with or without food.

Stopping this medicine: Do not stop taking this drug without speaking to your doctor.

Prolonged use: Side effects are more likely to occur with long-term use.

Special precautions

Consult your doctor before using this drug if:

• you have a stomach ulcer,
• you have liver or kidney disease,
• you have a condition that make you more likely to bleed, or a history of
• bleeding problems, including bleeding on the brain,
• you are taking other medication, or
• you are planning to have surgery.

Pregnancy: Avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before using this drug, or if you are planning to fall pregnant

Breastfeeding: Avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.

Porphyria: Avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your condition. Consult your doctor before use.

Infants and children: This medication is not intended for use in children.

Elderly: No special precautions need to be taken.

Driving and hazardous work: No special precautions need to be taken.

Alcohol: Avoid concomitant use of alcohol with this medication as it may increase stomach irritation

Possible side effects

Interactions:

Drug interactions: