clopidogrel

Brand names: Clopidogrel

# Clopidogrel Overview Clopidogrel is a medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming in your arteries and veins. Doctors prescribe it to patients who have had a heart attack, stroke, or certain heart procedures, or to people at high risk for these events. The drug works by making your blood platelets (tiny cells that help form clots) less sticky, so blood can flow more smoothly through your vessels. This helps reduce the chance of dangerous clots that could cause another heart attack or stroke. Since clopidogrel makes your blood thinner and less likely to clot, the main safety concern is increased bleeding. You should tell your doctor if you take other blood thinners, pain relievers like ibuprofen, certain antidepressants, or the blood thinner warfarin, as these combinations can increase bleeding risk. It's important not to stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor first, even if you have side effects, because stopping it suddenly could cause a blood clot. Always let your healthcare provider know about all medications you're taking and report any unusual bruising, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms right away.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP2C19 inducers: Increases levels of clopidogrel active metabolite and increases platelet inhibition. ( 7.1 ) Opioids: Decreased exposure to clopidogrel. Consider use of parenteral antiplatelet agent. ( 7.3 ) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, selective serotonin and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, SNRIs): Increases risk of bleeding. ( 7.4 , 7.5 , 7.6 ) Other Antiplatelet Agents: Increases the risk of bleeding due to an additive effect. ( 7.7 ) Repaglinide (CYP2C8 substrates): Increases substrate plasma concentrations. ( 7.8 ) 7.1 CYP2C19 Inducers Since clopidogrel is metabolized to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of drugs that induce the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. Rifampin strongly induces CYP2C19 resulting to both an increase level of clopidogrel active metabolite and platelet inhibition, which in particular might pote

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DYSPNOEA10,666 reports
  • MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION10,150 reports
  • FATIGUE9,171 reports
  • GASTROINTESTINAL HAEMORRHAGE8,670 reports
  • NAUSEA8,462 reports
  • DIZZINESS8,287 reports
  • DIARRHOEA7,919 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE7,852 reports
  • ASTHENIA7,280 reports
  • FALL7,037 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with clopidogrel:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.