%1$s
Clopidogrel - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Clopidogrel: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine prescribed to individuals at high risk of stroke, heart attack, or blood vessel issues. Its function is to prevent platelets (a kind of blood cell) from forming a clot or lump.
Clopidogrel is a lifesaving drug prescribed to patients who have undergone heart surgery, are recovering from a heart attack, or are troubled with peripheral arterial disease.
Clopidogrel is available in tablets and can only be purchased with a valid prescription.

What Are the Uses of Clopidogrel?

Few uses and benefits of Clopidogrel:

  • Clopidogrel is prescribed to patients at high risk of a heart attack, or patients recovering from a stroke.
  • It is used to treat conditions like unstable angina, mini-stroke, peripheral arterial disease, etc.
  • If you have undergone heart surgery or coronary stent insertion, you would likely be prescribed Clopidogrel to avoid lump or clot formations.
  • Do not stop taking Clopidogrel on your own, even if there is minor bleeding. Stopping the dosage at once places you in the high-risk zone of getting a heart attack.
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Online Doctor Appointment
Search Specialty Doctor
Health Packages

What Are the Side Effects of Clopidogrel?

Common side effects of Clopidogrel:

  • Feeling tired and feverish, persistent headache.
  • Nosebleed, skin bruises, purple spots on skin or mouth.
  • Breathlessness or irregular heartbeat.
  • Diarrhoea, stomach pain, or indigestion.

Serious side effects of Clopidogrel (consult your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms):

  • Blood lumps in your vomit, cough, urine, or stool.
  • Constant bleeding that does not stop.
  • Difficulty in speech and feeling of weakness or numbness.
  • Swelling in the face, throat, lips, tongue, feet, eyes, etc.
  • Seizure or hoarseness,
  • Constant itching with visible rashes.
  • Difficulty with clear vision.

What is Clopidogrel

Uses of Clopidogrel

Side effects of Clopidogrel

S.no Product Name Dosage Form
1. Ecosprin Gold 20mg Capsule
2. Deplatt A 75mg Tablet
3. Clopitab 75mg Tablet

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Clopidogrel

1. When to Stop Clopidogrel Before Surgery?

dogrel consumption is usually paused for generally 5-7 days before surgery. It is recommended to consult the surgeon about the medication to avoid complications. Its dosage can then be reduced or stopped as instructed.

2. How Long to Take Clopidogrel After Stroke?

It is prescribed for at least the next 21 days to prevent recurrent stroke chances. After a minor stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), Clopidogrel is given to the patient within the next 24 hours.
The doctor, per the situation, can alter the dosage and duration. It is advised to consume the medicine only in the prescribed amount.

3. When Should Clopidogrel Be Taken?

Once every day or per a doctor's instructions, consume Clopidogrel at a set time. Frequently changing the medicine intake timings can have adverse effects. You can take Clopidogrel both with and without food, at your convenience.

4. Does Clopidogrel Affect Blood Pressure?

It is less likely to experience blood pressure changes while taking Clopidogrel. If you experience nausea or light-headedness after taking Clopidogrel, it might be a symptom of low blood pressure, which in turn, might be an indication of internal bleeding. In case the BP problem persists, immediately consult your doctor.

5. Is Clopidogrel Blood Thinner?

Yes, Clopidogrel is a type of antiplatelet blood thinner. It is used to prevent and treat stroke, heart attack, and blood clot-related cardiovascular conditions.

6. What Is the Difference Between Aspirin and Clopidogrel?

Aspirin and Clopidogrel are often clubbed together during treatments, But they belong to different categories of drugs. While Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used against fever and pain, Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug used to prevent clot formation.

7. Does Clopidogrel Cause Joint Pain?

Commonly Clopidogrel is accepted well by patient bodies, but in rare cases, people might experience symptoms of inflammatory arthritis owing to inflammation in muscles and joints. It is rare but one of the side effects of the medicine.

8. What Medications Should Not Be Taken with Clopidogrel?

Some drug formulations can either reduce or nullify the effects of Clopidogrel. Alert your doctor if you are already on any of the below medications.

  • Any blood clot prevention medicines.
  • Any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - antidepressants.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - indigestion medicines.
There may be other medicines in this category. Please consult your doctor before taking Clopidogrel.

9. What Is the Best Time to Take Clopidogrel?

As long as you are taking Clopidogrel at the same time regularly, you can choose to take it at any hour of the day.

10. What Painkillers Can I Take with Clopidogrel?

One can take Paracetamol with Clopidogrel but should avoid taking Aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without doctors' suggestion. NSAIDs might not be suitable for people with heart disorders and can amplify the risks of bleeding.
To know more about Clopidogrel uses and precautions, get in touch with our in-house experts today.

Get Free Second Opinion

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.