Clopidogrel

In Aotearoa New Zealand clopidogrel is available as 75 mg tablets.

• 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 doctor 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. You can take clopidogrel with or without food. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, wait until the next day and take your normal dose. Do not 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 should not be taken with some other medications and herbal supplements, so always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting clopidogrel or before starting any new medicines.
• Also check with your pharmacist before taking:
  • over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac (eg, Voltaren Rapid), ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen), naproxen (eg, Naprogesic)
  • herbal extracts such as garlic, ginkgo or ginseng.
  • Taking these together with clopidogrel may increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided.
• Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking clopidogrel.
• It's important to let health professionals know that you're taking clopidogrel, such as your dentist, pharmacist or nurse. You may need to stop using this medicine for several days before having surgery.

Like all medicines, clopidogrel can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects include indigestion, tummy pain, nausea (feeling sick) and diarrhoea (runny poos). These usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if troublesome.

Increased risk of bleeding

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

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.