Low or no data? Visit Zero Data then search for 'Healthify'. Click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.

Clopidogrel

Sounds like 'klop-id-oh-grel'

Key points about clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine.
It prevents your blood from forming clots to lower your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Print this page

Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet medication. It’s used to prevent your blood from forming clots by making it less sticky.

Preventing clots in blood vessels that lead to your brain and heart muscle helps lower your risk of having a stroke and heart attack.

It’s used to prevent blood clots in people who have:

chest pain (from angina)
had a stroke
had a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
had a coronary stent fitted.

In Aotearoa New Zealand clopidogrel is available as 75 mg tablets. It’s also called Arrow-Clopid® or Clopidogrel Multichem®.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe clopidogrel with, or instead of, low dose aspirin.

The usual dose of clopidogrel is 1 tablet once a day.

You may be given a starting dose of 4 tablets (300 mg) the first time you take it.

Always take your clopidogrel exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much clopidogrel to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Timing: Take clopidogrel once a day, at the same time each day. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
Food: You can take clopidogrel with or without food.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, wait until the next day and take your dose at the usual time. Don’t take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking clopidogrel. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Other medicines:
- Clopidogrel interacts with some medicines, especially anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac (eg, Voltaren®) and ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen®). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (eg, Nurofen Cold and Flu®). Taking these together with clopidogrel may increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided.
- It may also interact with herbal supplements (eg, St John’s Wort, garlic, gingko or ginseng) and rongoā Māori. Check with your healthcare provider before starting clopidogrel and before starting any new products.
Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking clopidogrel. It can increase your chance of side effects. Read more about grapefruit and medicines(external link).
Keep taking clopidogrel regularly: You may just need to take it for a short time, but may take it long-term. Your prescriber will advise you about how long to take it for. Speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping it.
Surgical procedures including dental work: It's important to let healthcare providers know that you're taking clopidogrel. You may need to stop taking clopidogrel for several days before having surgery.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

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

Increased risk of bleeding

Clopidogrel increases your risk of bleeding. You might bleed or bruise more easily while you’re taking clopidogrel.

If you cut yourself, it might take slightly longer than normal to stop the bleeding. Minor bleeding such as a nosebleed should usually stop on its own.

If you have a fall or hurt your head or body, get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.

Signs of severe bleeding

If you have any of the following signs of bleeding, contact your doctor immediately or ring Healthline for free 24-hour health advice 0800 611 116:

Becoming pale, very weak and tired, or short of breath.
Any bleeding from your gums or cuts or nosebleeds that won’t stop.
Blood in your stools (poo) – black, tarry stools.
Blood in your urine (wee) – pink, red or brown-coloured urine.
Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Sudden numbness or weakness of your arm, leg or face, especially if only on one side of your body.
Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others.
Sudden difficulty in walking or loss of balance or co-ordination.
Suddenly feeling dizzy or sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Side effects	What should I do?
Longer bleeding time Nosebleeds Bruising Bleeding under the skin (blood blisters)	These are common. Any bleeding may take longer than normal to stop. If these happen often and they bother you, talk to your doctor.
Indigestion Tummy pain Nausea (feeling sick) Diarrhoea (runny poos)	These are common and usually go away with time. Try taking clopidogrel with or after a meal and eat simple foods. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, and mouth or difficulty breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.