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Clopidogrel

About clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine, or blood thinner. It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily.

This means that your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot.

Taking clopidogrel helps prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them.

Your risk is higher if you have or have had:

  • a heart attack
  • unstable angina
  • a stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischaemic attack or TIA)
  • peripheral arterial disease
  • an operation on your heart or blood vessels, such as a coronary stent insertion

Clopidogrel comes as tablets and is only available on prescription.

Key facts

  • The usual dose for clopidogrel is 75mg once a day.
  • Your doctor may prescribe clopidogrel with or instead of low dose aspirin.
  • The main side effect of clopidogrel is bleeding more easily than normal. You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums or bruising.
  • You can drink alcohol with clopidogrel. But do not drink too much while taking this medicine. It can irritate your stomach.
  • Clopidogrel is also called by the brand names Grepid and Plavix.

Who can and cannot take clopidogrel

Clopidogrel can be taken by adults aged 18 and over.

Clopidogrel isn't suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to clopidogrel or any other medicines in the past
  • have a stomach ulcer or have had stomach ulcers in the past
  • have had bleeding in your brain (a brain haemorrhage)
  • have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding

How and when to take it

Clopidogrel can be taken once a day, at the same time each day.

You can take clopidogrel with or without food.

How much will I take?

The usual dose is 75mg a day. Occasionally a one-off higher dose, such as 300mg or 600mg, may be prescribed.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take clopidogrel, take it as soon as you remember.

If you don't remember until the following day, skip the missed dose.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.

You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Accidentally taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you.

But the amount of clopidogrel that can lead to overdose is different from person to person.

Contact your doctor straight away if you have taken some extra tablets and notice any signs of bleeding.

Side effects

Like all medicines, clopidogrel can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away:

  • bleeding more easily than normal - nosebleeds, bruising more easily or bleeding that takes longer to stop
  • diarrhoea
  • stomach pain
  • indigestion or heartburn

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor straight away if:

  • you're coughing up blood, or there's blood in your pee, poo or vomit
  • your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow - these can be signs of liver problems
  • you feel very tired or have signs of infections, such as a fever (38C or above) or sore throat - these can be signs of a blood or bone marrow disorder

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, clopidogrel can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of clopidogrel. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

  • bleeding more easily than normal - be careful when doing activities that might cause an injury or a cut. Always wear a helmet when cycling. Wear gloves when you use sharp objects like scissors, knives, and gardening tools. Use an electric razor instead of wet shaving, and use a soft toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean your teeth. See a doctor if you're worried about any bleeding.
  • diarrhoea - drink plenty of water or other fluids if you have diarrhoea. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
  • stomach pain - try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If you're in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
  • indigestion or heartburn - take your clopidogrel a few minutes before or after a meal. If the indigestion doesn't go away, it could be a sign that you have a stomach ulcer. Talk to your doctor - they may prescribe something to protect your stomach or switch you to a different medicine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clopidogrel isn't normally recommended in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

If you're trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant, talk to your doctor about the possible benefits or harms of taking clopidogrel.

These will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take it. There may be other treatments that are safer for you.

Clopidogrel and breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding, your doctor will be able to explain the benefits and risks of taking clopidogrel while breastfeeding, and will recommend the best treatment for you and your baby.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines interfere with the way clopidogrel works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start taking clopidogrel:

  • medicines to thin blood or prevent blood clots, such as aspirin, warfarin, rivaroxaban or apixaban
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
  • antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram
  • indigestion medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole

Taking clopidogrel with everyday painkillers

Your doctor may prescribe daily low dose aspirin (75mg tablets) to take together with clopidogrel. Or they may prescribe clopidogrel instead of daily low dose aspirin if you have problems with aspirin.

Do not take aspirin for pain relief (300mg tablets) or ibuprofen while you're taking clopidogrel, unless a doctor has said it's OK. They increase the chance of bleeding.

You can take paracetamol together with clopidogrel.

Taking clopidogrel with indigestion medicines

Indigestion remedies called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, may reduce the effect of clopidogrel.

If you have indigestion and need a medicine to protect your stomach, your doctor can prescribe you a different PPI, such as lansoprazole.

You can take other indigestion remedies such as antacids at the same time as clopidogrel. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a suitable indigestion remedy for you.

Mixing clopidogrel with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem with taking some herbal remedies and supplements with clopidogrel, especially ones that can affect your blood (for example, ginkgo).

St John's wort (used for depression) can increase the levels of clopidogrel in your blood. This can increase your risk of bleeding.

Common questions

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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471 public posts

Clopidogrel

Does anyone else have this side affect whilst taking clopidogrel or any of the other mentioned drugs ? Thanks
Does anyone else have this side affect whilst taking clopidogrel or any of the other mentioned drugs ? Thanks
Chegwin
in British Heart Foundation

CLOPIDOGREL

A Happy, Healthy New Year to you All I was put on Clopidogrel about 2-3 months ago, when I had a very minor Stroke. I find that my hair seems to be 'thinning', and there is more hair than usual in the bath when I wash my hair.
A Happy, Healthy New Year to you All I was put on Clopidogrel about 2-3 months ago, when I had a very minor Stroke. I find that my hair seems to be 'thinning', and there is more hair than usual in the bath when I wash my hair.
Pandorella
in British Heart Foundation

clopidogrel

I am 77 years old and had a stroke end of 2016, since then I take 75mg daily Clopidogrel I have no side affects. So I am the lucky one. I do daily exercise and walk every other day up to 5 km with my dog. Perhaps the fresh air helps as well.
I am 77 years old and had a stroke end of 2016, since then I take 75mg daily Clopidogrel I have no side affects. So I am the lucky one. I do daily exercise and walk every other day up to 5 km with my dog. Perhaps the fresh air helps as well.
detlev
in PSP Association
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Clopidogrel

I am taking clopidogrel since having a stroke in July. I recovery has been very good. I wondered if anyone else has had side effects with clopidigrol I get a dry mouth and also a bitter taste in my mouth.
I am taking clopidogrel since having a stroke in July. I recovery has been very good. I wondered if anyone else has had side effects with clopidigrol I get a dry mouth and also a bitter taste in my mouth.
Holywellbay
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel

I am taking clopidogrel and have a bitter taste in my mouth. Could it be a side effect
I am taking clopidogrel and have a bitter taste in my mouth. Could it be a side effect
Holywellbay
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel

Has anyone experienced stomach pain with Clopidogrel ? Mine seem to of started today
Has anyone experienced stomach pain with Clopidogrel ? Mine seem to of started today
11walking22
in British Heart Foundation

Post stents

Would welcome any feedback on the prescribing of Tricagrelor versus Clopidogrel. I understand that generally the NHS drug of choice post HA and stents is Tricagrelor, which is taken twice a day. Clopidogrel is taken once a day.
Would welcome any feedback on the prescribing of Tricagrelor versus Clopidogrel. I understand that generally the NHS drug of choice post HA and stents is Tricagrelor, which is taken twice a day. Clopidogrel is taken once a day.
Wellbrook
in British Heart Foundation

Stopping clopidogrel

Hi all, I spoke to my cardiologist yesterday for my post stent review and getting signed off back to the GP, she said as I was having some stomach troubles, and awful acid reflux since being on the clop I can stop it end of November. She said the stent they gave me was a fancy new type one and I didn
Hi all, I spoke to my cardiologist yesterday for my post stent review and getting signed off back to the GP, she said as I was having some stomach troubles, and awful acid reflux since being on the clop I can stop it end of November. She said the stent they gave me was a fancy new type one and I didn
Forestdweller
in British Heart Foundation

Vitamin D supplement

Is it safe to take vitamin D supplement whilst taking Atorvastatin, Amlodipine, Clopidogrel and asprin?
Is it safe to take vitamin D supplement whilst taking Atorvastatin, Amlodipine, Clopidogrel and asprin?
Superego
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel experience

I tried a switch to ticagrelor but that was horrific, so back to the clopidogrel. 4 months in and chest pains every single day, so I stopped the clopidogrel every other day. No real improvement but my dry eye improved. 5 months and I switch to one every three days.
I tried a switch to ticagrelor but that was horrific, so back to the clopidogrel. 4 months in and chest pains every single day, so I stopped the clopidogrel every other day. No real improvement but my dry eye improved. 5 months and I switch to one every three days.
Supafil
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel with Atorvastatin

Does anyone take these together. I notice they have a drug interaction.Been on clopidogral 2 months after swapping from pragursel. At first never got any bruising at all (which made me think it wasn't working! )soon as I stopped Atorvastatin for a few days got the bruising. Strange .Dr's going to swap
Does anyone take these together. I notice they have a drug interaction.Been on clopidogral 2 months after swapping from pragursel. At first never got any bruising at all (which made me think it wasn't working! )soon as I stopped Atorvastatin for a few days got the bruising. Strange .Dr's going to swap
cakesandbakes
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel

Hi Folks has anyone had stomach problems taking clopidogrel? I have been on it over a year and had ppi changed end of last Year to pantoprozole these haven’t helped with the stomach pain. My GP has put me back on esomeprazole which interacts with clopidogrel. Any advice would be appreciated thanks.
Hi Folks has anyone had stomach problems taking clopidogrel? I have been on it over a year and had ppi changed end of last Year to pantoprozole these haven’t helped with the stomach pain. My GP has put me back on esomeprazole which interacts with clopidogrel. Any advice would be appreciated thanks.
Hidden
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel side effects

Taking clopidogrel and started getting nosebleeds
Taking clopidogrel and started getting nosebleeds
Atlas750
in British Heart Foundation

Clopidogrel with glucosamine supplement

Hi all, i m taking clopidogrel for two years, because i m also suffer from cervical spine degenerative problem, i was told glucosamine supplement may help. Do anyone has the experience taking clog med with the supplement. Thanks.
Hi all, i m taking clopidogrel for two years, because i m also suffer from cervical spine degenerative problem, i was told glucosamine supplement may help. Do anyone has the experience taking clog med with the supplement. Thanks.
Janewong4
in British Heart Foundation

Are these ok together?

clopidogrel with curcumin
clopidogrel with curcumin
mkcd
in Cure Arthritis Community

Ganglion

I have ET and take hydroxicarbamide and clopidogrel. Is there any connection with the sudden appearance of a ganglion? Thanks.
I have ET and take hydroxicarbamide and clopidogrel. Is there any connection with the sudden appearance of a ganglion? Thanks.
Hollybe
in MPN Voice

Clopidogrel Tiredness

I'm hoping that the Clopidogrel is causing some of the fatigue, and wondered if anyone else had a similar experience ? I've managed to convince myself I'll return to my normal dynamic self once I'm off them.
I'm hoping that the Clopidogrel is causing some of the fatigue, and wondered if anyone else had a similar experience ? I've managed to convince myself I'll return to my normal dynamic self once I'm off them.
Bellipan
in British Heart Foundation

Nytol

I have read through the notes for one-a-night Nytol, which I used to use from time to time and can’t see anything which means I can’t take them in conjunction with my heart meds which are: Aspirin Atorvastatin Clopidogrel Ramipril Bisoprolol Lansoprazole “Unless, of course, you know different....” 🤔
I have read through the notes for one-a-night Nytol, which I used to use from time to time and can’t see anything which means I can’t take them in conjunction with my heart meds which are: Aspirin Atorvastatin Clopidogrel Ramipril Bisoprolol Lansoprazole “Unless, of course, you know different....” 🤔
Reuben52
in British Heart Foundation

Bone scan results

A bit worried about more medication on top of hydroxy, clopidogrel and amitriptyline. I’ve never been one for medication and it seems to be multiplying.
A bit worried about more medication on top of hydroxy, clopidogrel and amitriptyline. I’ve never been one for medication and it seems to be multiplying.
Bield
in MPN Voice

Covid vaccination

I have Primary APS (on Clopidogrel and Fondaparinux) but am also immunosuppressed following a transplant (on steroids and Mycophenolate ) Thanks Debbie
I have Primary APS (on Clopidogrel and Fondaparinux) but am also immunosuppressed following a transplant (on steroids and Mycophenolate ) Thanks Debbie
Womanfriday
in Hughes Syndrome - APS Support
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