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What is Plavix: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Plavix overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Plavix

Generic Names:

  • Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Uses:

  • Helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart problems. This medicine is a platelet inhibitor.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Plavix come in

  • Tablet

What are common Plavix doses?

  • Tablet 75MG

Common Plavix prescriptions

  • Plavix
    15 tablets bottle

  • Plavix
    30 tablets bottle

  • Plavix
    90 tablets bottle

  • Plavix
    300mg tablet

  • Plavix
    75mg tablet

How to take Plavix

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Plavix contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clopidogrel.

Plavix warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bleeding problems, stomach ulcer or bleeding, a recent stroke, or a history of bleeding problems.

  • This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush and floss your teeth gently, do not play rough sports, and be careful with sharp objects. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening.

  • This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood clotting condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery or a dental procedure.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Trouble breathing, tiredness, fast heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Vomiting of blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Plavix interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how clopidogrel works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Esomeprazole, omeprazole, repaglinide, warfarinMedicine to treat depression (including SNRI, SSRI)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen)Opioid medicine

  • This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush and floss your teeth gently, do not play rough sports, and be careful with sharp objects. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening.

  • This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood clotting condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery or a dental procedure.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Plavix side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools

  • Trouble breathing, tiredness, fast heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes

  • Red or dark brown urine

  • Nosebleeds

  • Pinpoint red or purple spots on your skin or in your mouth

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Seizures

  • Problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Vomiting of blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Plavix News & Research

Drug Info

Can you drink coffee with Plavix?

16 Jun 2023  by Cheryl Maguire
Plavix and coffee have no known interactions. However, caffeine may affect those using this antiplatelet treatment. Here’s what to know about Plavix and caffeine.
Drug Info

Plavix side effects and how to avoid them

26 Oct 2021  by Irene Xue, Pharm.D.
Bruising, itching, and diarrhea are common Plavix side effects. Learn how long side effects of Plavix last and how to avoid them.
Drug vs. Drug

Brilinta vs. Plavix: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

4 Dec 2018  by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
Brilinta and Plavix help treat blood clots but work in different ways. Compare the side effects and cost of these drugs to find out which one is better.
Drug Info

Is ibuprofen a blood thinner?

14 Mar 2024  by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are associated with an increased risk of bleeding, but they are not blood thinners. Compare ibuprofen to blood thinners here.
Drug Info

Verapamil interactions to avoid

8 Mar 2024  by Chad Shaffer, MD
Verapamil (Calan) interacts with statins, CYP3A4 enzyme inducers, heart rate and rhythm drugs, grapefruit, and alcohol. Here’s what you should not take with verapamil to avoid side effects.
Drug Info

Ketorolac interactions to avoid

26 Feb 2024  by Chad Shaffer, MD
Ketorolac (Toradol) interacts with anticoagulants, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Here’s what you should not take with ketorolac to avoid side effects.
Drug Info

Clopidogrel interactions to avoid

8 Feb 2024  by Chad Shaffer, MD
Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with PPIs, CYP enzymes, anticoagulants, and grapefruit juice. Here’s what you should not take with clopidogrel to avoid side effects.
Drug Info

Ibuprofen interactions to avoid

1 Feb 2024  by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
Ibuprofen (Advil) interacts with blood thinners, other NSAIDs, and certain antidepressants, foods, and alcohol. Here’s what you should not take with ibuprofen to avoid side effects.
Drug Info

Voltaren interactions to avoid

23 Jan 2024  by Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.
Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) interacts with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, other NSAIDs, (alcohol), and (caffeine). Here’s what you should not take with Voltaren to avoid side effects.