Clopidogrel (Plavix®) is an antiplatelet drug you can take to prevent blood clots. It keeps platelets in your blood from coming together and making clots. You may need clopidogrel to prevent future issues if you had a heart attack, stroke or certain types of heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy What is this medication? CLOPIDOGREL (kloh PID oh grel) lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. It prevents blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form a clot. It belongs to a group of medications called antiplatelets. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Plavix What should I tell my care team before I take this medication? They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding disorders Bleeding in the brain History of stomach bleeding An unusual or allergic reaction to clopidogrel, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives Pregnant or trying to get pregnant How should I use this medication? Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What may interact with this medication? Do not take this medication with the following: Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir This medication may also interact with the following: Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin

NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen Opioid medications for pain SNRIs, medications for depression, such as desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine SSRIs, medications for depression, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline Stomach acid blockers, such as cimetidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. What should I watch for while using this medication? Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Do not stop taking your medication unless your care team tells you to. Notify your care team and seek emergency services if you develop sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, or change in vision. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse. If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Certain genetic factors may reduce the effect of this medication. Your care team may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Only take aspirin if you are instructed to. Low doses of aspirin are used with this medication to treat some conditions. Taking aspirin with this medication can increase your risk of bleeding, so you must be careful. Talk to your care team if you have questions. What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication? Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on the skin, unusual bleeding or bruising TTP—purple spots on the skin or inside the mouth, pale skin, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, change in vision, trouble speaking, trouble walking Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Where should I keep my medication? Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date. NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Copyright ©2026 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved. Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.