Clopidogrel 75mg

What Is Clopidogrel 75mg?

Clopidogrel is a prescription antiplatelet medication, sold under the brand name Plavix, that makes platelets in your blood less likely to stick together and form clots. It is commonly prescribed after a heart attack or stroke, and for people with acute coronary syndrome or peripheral arterial disease, to lower the risk of future cardiovascular events. Clopidogrel is a once-daily tablet and is often taken alongside aspirin when directed by your provider. It is a prodrug, meaning your body converts it to its active form after you take it.

What Does Clopidogrel 75mg Treat?

Acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or NSTEMI)
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
Recent heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Recent ischemic stroke
Established peripheral arterial disease
Clot prevention after coronary stent placement (with aspirin, as directed)

Clopidogrel 75mg Dosage

Maintenance: 75 mg by mouth once daily.
Acute coronary syndrome: 300 mg loading dose once, then 75 mg once daily (per provider direction).

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Clopidogrel 75mg Side Effects

Common side effects

• Bruising more easily
• Minor bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Rash or itching
• Headache

Serious side effects

Stop taking this medication and seek medical attention right away if you experience:

• Unusual or prolonged bleeding
• Blood in urine or stool, or black tarry stools
• Allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (fever, weakness, purple skin spots)
• Signs of stroke or bleeding in the brain (sudden severe headache, confusion)

Warnings & Interactions

Boxed warning: reduced effectiveness in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers; alternative therapy may be needed
Contraindicated with active bleeding (e.g., peptic ulcer, intracranial hemorrhage)
Contraindicated if allergic to clopidogrel or other thienopyridines
Increased bleeding risk, especially with aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, or other anticoagulants
Avoid omeprazole and esomeprazole, which reduce clopidogrel's effectiveness
Do not stop taking without talking to your provider; premature discontinuation raises clot risk
Tell your surgeon or dentist you take clopidogrel; it is often stopped 5 days before surgery if directed

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting clopidogrel 75mg.