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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To prevent heart attack 2- To prevent formation of blood clot |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Appearance of black and blue color on skin (Collection of blood under the skin) 2- Itching, pain, redness, or swelling |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Clopidogrel Summary
Clopidogrel 75 mg is a daily antiplatelet medicine used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, especially in people with heart conditions. It works by stopping blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the same time every day. Don’t stop suddenly without medical advice. Common side effects include bruising, redness, or swelling. Avoid grapefruit, alcohol, and tobacco while on this medicine, and be cautious with other drugs that might interact. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one. Overdosing can be serious, so stick to your prescribed amount. While it’s generally safe during breastfeeding, its safety in pregnancy isn’t fully clear. Always store Clopidogrel in a cool, dry place, out of children’s reach.
Clopidogrel Uses
Clopidogrel 75 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of antiplatelet medicines. It is used for following indications:
- Prevention of heart attack (Myocardial infarction)
- Prevention of blood clot formation in patients with increased heart rate.
Directions for use
- Take clopidogrel exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking clopidogrel without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Clopidogrel side effects
More Common
- Collection of blood under the skin
- Deep, dark purple bruise
- Itching, pain, redness, or swelling
Less Common
- Bloody nose
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
How Clopidogrel works
Clopidogrel works by reducing the sticking of blood platelets through a protein receptor called the P2Y12 receptor, thereby preventing the formation of clots (as platelets are responsible for clot formation) and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Pregnancy
Due to limited studies, it is unclear whether Clopidogrel is safe to use during pregnancy. However, it may be used in emergencies if necessary.
📌 2- Breastfeeding
Clopidogrel can be taken while breastfeeding, as only a small amount of the medicine passes into breast milk.
Clopidrogel Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking clopidogrel 75 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Clopidrogel Interaction with Food Product
Clopidogrel should not be taken after or before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Also avoid consuming tobacco and alcohol with this medicine as it can increase or decrease the effect of clopidogrel.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Clopidogrel Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
methyl (2S)-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(6,7-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-5-yl)acetate.
Intake routine/cycle
📌 1- Daily dose
Take clopidogrel exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 2- Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 3- Overdose
Clopidogrel should not be taken in doses exceeding 2 mg per day. In one case, a 49-year-old male who took Clopidogrel with suicidal intent did not experience symptoms initially; however, the patient later developed abnormalities, such as platelet aggregation.
FAQ’s
1. Is clopidogrel and aspirin the same?
➡️ No, aspirin and clopidogrel are not the same. Although they both prevent clot formation, they belong to different classes of medications, having different mechanisms of action and side effects. Always consult your doctor on which to take.
2. When should clopidogrel be stopped before surgery?
➡️ It is recommended to stop using clopidogrel 5-7 days prior to surgery.
3. Does clopidogrel reduce platelet count?
➡️ Yes, clopidogrel can cause a slight reduction in platelet count.
4. Can clopidogrel cause bleeding?
➡️ One of the main side effects of clopidogrel is bleeding. You may experience nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods, or even bleeding gums after taking this medication for a long time.
Reference
- NHS. Clopidogrel [Internet]. London: National Health Service; c2025 [updated 2025 Jan 17; cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Clopidogrel (Oral Route) Description. [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [updated 2024 Jan 10; cited 2025 Jan 18]. Available from.
- MedicineNet. Aspirin vs. Plavix (Clopidogrel). [Internet]. MedicineNet; [updated 2023 Nov 9; cited 2025 Jan 18]. Available from.
- Chernoguz A, Telem DA, Chu E, Ozao-Choy J, Tammaro Y, Divino CM. Cessation of Clopidogrel Before Major Abdominal Procedures. Arch Surg. 2011;146(3):334–339. doi:10.1001/archsurg.2011.23. Available from.
- Távora C, Rodrigues Dos Santos J, Cruz D. Thrombocytopenia Induced by Clopidogrel: A Rare Adverse Effect. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2023 Oct 5;10(11):004045. doi: 10.12890/2023_004045. PMID: 37920219; PMCID: PMC10619534.Available from.
- NHS. Clopidogrel. [Internet]. NHS Choices; [updated 2024 Jan 5; cited 2025 Jan 18]. Available from.