Clopidogrel: Uses, Side Effects, and Safe Taking
Clopidogrel is a prescription antiplatelet medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is used to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially after certain cardiovascular events or when a stent is placed.
Clopidogrel can cause serious bleeding, so tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take. Do not stop it without medical advice, particularly if you have a heart stent.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AC04
- Generic
- Clopidogrel
- Class
- antiplatelet
- Brands
- Plavix
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- coagulation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 75mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not typically recommended for pediatric patients
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 75mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid if possible
use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring, assess platelet function if needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
clopidogrel is excreted in breast milk; alternative antiplatelet therapy should be considered
monitor infant for bleeding signs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno specific dose adjustment required
use with increased caution due to higher bleeding risk; consider concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors
regular monitoring for bleeding signs, gastrointestinal symptoms, and platelet function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients; limited safety and efficacy data available
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor for increased bleeding risk
regular renal function monitoring, watch for bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lower dose or increase dosing interval
use with extreme caution; consider alternative therapy
frequent renal function monitoring, close bleeding surveillance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment
use with caution; clopidogrel requires hepatic activation
monitor liver function tests, watch for bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
not recommended due to significantly impaired metabolism and increased bleeding risk
comprehensive bleeding monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
Initial FDA approval for Clopidogrel
Drug class
Classification as antiplatelet agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy